Evan Neal is considered the best offensive tackle in the 2022 NFL Draft, and it would stand to reason that the Jacksonville Jaguars would draft the athletic big man first overall to protect Trevor Lawrence. However, it is not certain.

Munich – There was no discussion last spring that Trevor Lawrence would go to the Jacksonville Jaguars at the first spot in the 2021 draft.

A franchise in desperate need of a quarterback came across the greatest quarterback talent in many years. Accordingly, the hit rate of mock drafts reached close to 100 percent as far as the top position was concerned.

Now Lawrence has his first year in the NFL behind him. He showed good approaches in phases, but also had a lot of problems. With a record of three wins and 14 losses, the Jags played a disappointing season, which threw the top pick right back into their lap. So what could be more obvious than signing a bodyguard for Lawrence in the first place, who could effectively protect the quarterback from opposing pass rushers for many years to come?

NFL Draft 2022: Neal only gives interviews at Combine

This is where Evan Neal comes in. The 6-foot-1 offensive tackle is considered the best O-lineman in the draft, so he would be a logical pick for the Jags. The 21-year-old seems well aware of his market value, because while other football talents are competing for their NFL opportunity at the Combine, Neal skipped drills and only made himself available for interviews.

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“It’s been a long season, I just wanted to give myself a little more time to prepare,” he shared, “I discussed it with my agent, we agreed that was the best way for me to go.”

Even though Neal was not seen in action, his mere presence caused a stir on social media. That’s because the offensive tackle presented himself in impressive shape. Weighing in at 153 kilograms at the Combine, he added six more pounds in college at Alabama. A photo went viral on Twitter of Neal not wearing a T-shirt and showing off a physique that would be more fitting for a completely oversized tight end than an offensive tackle.

pic.twitter.com/d7cMd01wPn

– Duke Manyweather (@BigDuke50) March 3, 2022

Neal can play three positions on the O-line

Although Neal certainly won’t play tight end, his versatility on the O-line is absolutely remarkable. At Alabama he played right tackle, left tackle and also left guard. Constantly improving during his years at Alabama, he won the college championship with the Crimson Tide as a starter in 2021. Now the five-star recruit decided to enter the NFL draft.

That he could immediately play a good role in the best football league in the world is undeniable. “Neal hauls around 153 pounds like he’s 113. Would pick him first without a second thought,” US sportswriter Colin Cowherd wrote on Twitter.

Evan Neal: Fast legs, good technique

Despite his enormous size and weight, Neal is quick on his feet, he has good vision, excellent technique and long arms. He combines these near-perfections with a spirited, hard-hitting game. Whether as a run blocker or in duels with pass rushers, Neal brings everything he needs to become a star in the NFL.

He recently posted a video of himself box jumping, highlighting his exceptional agility and athleticism.

Always looking to one up myself! @MattRheaPhD @UA_CoachBallou pic.twitter.com/mEkce64Eqy

– Evan Neal (@ENeal73) July 12, 2021

NFL draft: do the Jags trade the first pick?

With a protector like Neal by his side, Trevor Lawrence’s second NFL year could be much more enjoyable. Since Neal was born in the small town of Okeechobee in Florida, about 250 kilometres south of Jacksonville, the Jags could also virtually acquire a local hero.

Nevertheless, it is not certain that Neal will actually go to Jacksonville in the first place. Some experts see Ikem Ekwonu, also an offensive tackle, at the first position. Also not out of the question is whether the Jags will trade the first pick. After all, the franchise has a lot of holes to fill.

But even if that were to happen, Evan Neal would certainly still have a good chance of becoming the top pick in the 2022 draft. That’s because the quarterback class is weaker this year than it has been lately, and several teams desperately need to bolster their offensive line and could trade up for him.

“If the stars align for me to become it, that would be extremely special for me,” Neal admitted.