The Giants had an exceedingly strong draft by most accounts, after coming away with two potential No. 1 overall selections in the first round.
And, according to at least one draft guru, one of those picks is the likeliest to be a "guaranteed future NFL star."
That would be former Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal, whom the Giants selected seventh overall -- two picks after their other first-rounder, former Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux.
ESPN's Jordan Reid chose Neal as the "prospect with the best chance to turn into a bonafide star" from the class of 2022 in a piece looking at best, worst and most surprising picks of this year's draft (Insider subscription required).
Neal's success playing multiple positions at Alabama bodes well for his prospects in the pros, according to Reid, and he's likely to settle at right tackle opposite former fellow first-rounder Andrew Thomas, giving the Giants and GM Joe Schoen a pair of potential set-it-and-forget-it stalwarts at both ends of the offensive line.
For a time, Neal seemed to be a candidate to go first overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who instead ultimately selected former Georgia defensive end Travon Walker in something of a stunner.
While Walker profiles as a prototype at a premium position, so too does Neal.
The Jags seemed to prioritize Walker's immense upside, perhaps at the expense of a potentially lower floor.
Neal's ceiling might be a tick lower than Walker's, but Neal's floor is generally viewed as much higher -- barring injury, the worst-case scenario for Neal seems to be that he turns out to be an average starter.
In any event, the Giants and their fans were no doubt feeling pretty good about snagging two potential Day 1 starters within the first seven picks of the first round on Thursday night.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram