Andrew Thomas-Evan Neal tackle combo an imposing pair of bookends
Giants offensive tackles Andrew Thomas and Evan Neal during training camp. Credit: Brad Penner / Noah K. Murray
Andrew Thomas returned from offseason ankle surgery to play left tackle in Wednesday’s first practice of training camp. The Giants were happy to have him back but also tickled to get their first real look at what they hope will be the long-term bookends of their offensive line for many years to come.
Opposite Thomas, the third-year pro, was right tackle Evan Neal, a first-round pick in April’s draft.
“Evan is a very talented kid, a physical freak,” Thomas said of his fellow tackle who is listed as two inches taller and 35 pounds heavier than he is. “He just works hard every day, doesn’t say much, keeps his head down.”
While the Giants overhauled the interior of their offensive line with veterans in free agency, including projected starters Mark Glowinski and Jon Feliciano, they plan on having Thomas and Neal in place for a while. Thomas is the only returning starter from last season and said he is trying to take on more leadership and be more vocal this season.
As for the aim of the unit as a whole, Thomas said it is simple: “The goal is to be dominant, to be the bell cows of the offense.”
Having the two tackles who are huge parts of that plan in place for the start of camp was a plus.
Tom Rock began covering sports for Newsday in 1996 and became its NFL columnist in 2022. He previously was Newsday's Giants beat writer beginning in 2008.
