Giants' Evan Neal listed among 'underperforming' first-round rookies

The 2022 New York Giants may be the most surprising 4-1 NFL team in recent memory, but not everything is going swimmingly for them this fall. 

For a piece published Wednesday, ESPN's Matt Miller named Giants offensive tackle Evan Neal as his top choice for the most "underperforming" first-round selection from the 2022 NFL Draft. 

"The No. 7 pick has seen his share of struggles as the Giants' right tackle, notably surrendering four sacks to the Cowboys in Week 3," Miller noted. "As the Giants have exceeded expectations, Neal's six sacks and 31 pressures allowed are concerning. But it took teammate Andrew Thomas a season to acclimate to the NFL game, so there's still hope for Neal to turn things around." 

Thomas, New York's starting left tackle, was selected fourth overall by the club in the 2020 draft. As James Morgan pointed out for UGA Wire/USA Today, Thomas was Pro Football Focus' highest-graded player through the first four weeks of the 2022 NFL season. 

Meanwhile, ESPN's Jordan Raanan explained that the Giants' offensive line, as a whole, has routinely failed quarterback Daniel Jones and left the fourth-year pro as "one of the league’s most pressured passers" this season. However, Raanan also praised Neal and company for their run-blocking accomplishments over the campaign's first five games. 

"New York’s line...has allowed ball-carriers to compile 605 yards before contact," Raanan wrote. "That is the most in the NFL. (Saquon) Barkley’s 314 yards before contact is the most among running backs and second only behind Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson." 

The Giants host the 3-2 Ravens this Sunday.