Over the last five NFL Drafts, the New York Giants spent two top-seven overall draft picks on offensive tackles to bolster their offensive line moving forward. In 2020, the Giants selected Andrew Thomas fourth overall; in 2022, they drafted Evan Neal seventh overall.
Even after spending two top draft picks on offensive linemen over the last few seasons, the Giants offensive line still allowed the most sacks of any team in the National Football League this season. It ranked near the bottom of the league in many statistical categories. Injuries were a large part of the reason for the unit's struggles.
The Giants' offense and team are coming off a disappointing, injury-plagued season. New York's offensive line struggled mightily this season as they finished with one of the worst pass block win percentage rates in the National Football League.
Although Thomas was one of the highest-ranking offensive linemen this season, the Giants offensive line has ranked near the bottom of the league in that category six out of the last seven seasons.
New York's struggles along the offensive line were not solely Thomas's and Neal's fault. Thomas says the addition of high draft picks doesn't always equal immediate success in the NFL or success at all. For Thomas, how well an offensive line plays has just as much to do with their talent as their familiarity with each other.
"I think there's multiple ways to skin a cat," Thomas said. "If you look across the league, there are some guys that were drafted high that played well immediately. Then, from my experience, I didn't. So, you never know when you're drafted high and vice versa."
"There'll be guys that are veterans that get signed for really nice deals but might not gel as well with that group. I think it is more about the continuity as an offensive line together. The mentality, the technique we're all using and playing together as one."
Thomas missed seven games this season, and Neal missed even more. Thomas aims to help Neal bounce back from a subpar season for them both. Thomas and Neal have dealt with injuries and, at times, underperformed on the field. Thomas will lean on his own similar experiences to help Neal prepare for next season.
"Just to try to keep a positive mindset," Thomas said. "I've been there before, and I know it's not easy. He has high expectations for himself, and we do too. Like I said, the biggest thing for him is to get healthy. It's hard to play in this league when you're not, and once we get back together, just continue to build."
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