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Evan Neal

leebigeztx

Keep it Movin!
Please sell me on this guy. Maybe the lack of success from Bama oline players is blurring my vision. Or maybe I watched him vs like competition and struggled. If you draft a oline player #3, he needs to be Pace/Ogden/ Thomas not just ok.
 
"Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed two sacks over 1,073 snaps last year, and over his last two seasons at tackle, only 22 quarterback pressures -- fewer than one per game on average."


"Neal’s status as the top blocker in this year’s class may be challenged by NC State’s Ikem Ekwonu, but he is generally seen as the No.1 option, and rarely projected to be picked later than third overall."

That's the only article I can find ranking his blocking with others in the class, and it still stats that if he is 2nd it is close, and he's still projected top 3"


The dude is 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds, and moves into the 2nd level on run blocks. He struggled some games, but "struggles" doesn't mean he was giving up a bunch of QB pressures/sacks and he looked very good in the national championship and Cincinnati (how don't know how good you view that team as a whole, though they did beat ND and wasn't as bad as some people frame them)

On top of his size he also runs very well, lots of people saying he moves like someone "50 pounds lighter"

Texans are in a big roster overhaul. I like Tunsil and if we were in the colts situation (barley missing the playoffs) I would say focus on another problem, but we aren't. I'm all for the idea of making a run first team that's gritty, which would help Mills or our next QB a ton, and I think moving from Tunsil who would give us a good return on the trade market for Neal would be a good move.

I've seen other people say Neal could play Guard until Tunsil contract is out (not sure I agree), but I do think a team with Howard and Neal would be able to run the ball much better than one with Tunsil.

I say build in the Trenchs and get "skill players" in future drafts and Neal is a very good pick to start.

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"Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed two sacks over 1,073 snaps last year, and over his last two seasons at tackle, only 22 quarterback pressures -- fewer than one per game on average."


"Neal’s status as the top blocker in this year’s class may be challenged by NC State’s Ikem Ekwonu, but he is generally seen as the No.1 option, and rarely projected to be picked later than third overall."

That's the only article I can find ranking his blocking with others in the class, and it still stats that if he is 2nd it is close, and he's still projected top 3"


The dude is 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds, and moves into the 2nd level on run blocks. He struggled some games, but "struggles" doesn't mean he was giving up a bunch of QB pressures/sacks and he looked very good in the national championship and Cincinnati (how don't know how good you view that team as a whole, though they did beat ND and wasn't as bad as some people frame them)

On top of his size he also runs very well, lots of people saying he moves like someone "50 pounds lighter"

Texans are in a big roster overhaul. I like Tunsil and if we were in the colts situation (barley missing the playoffs) I would say focus on another problem, but we aren't. I'm all for the idea of making a run first team that's gritty, which would help Mills or our next QB a ton, and I think moving from Tunsil who would give us a good return on the trade market for Neal would be a good move.

I've seen other people say Neal could play Guard until Tunsil contract is out (not sure I agree), but I do think a team with Howard and Neal would be able to run the ball much better than one with Tunsil.

I say build in the Trenchs and get "skill players" in future drafts and Neal is a very good pick to start.

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All I'm saying is Saban has produced tons of Oline prospects since he's been at Bama and all have been avg or below avg. Your run game is about angles and levels. Go find the best running teams in nfl and watch how they do it. Just rewatched Dallas v 49ers and 49ers use ZBS to create creases. When Dalvin was out for Minny, they plugged a no name dude in and he ran for almost 200. King Henry has been out for 10 weeks and the Titans pulled 2 ex Texans off the couch and can still run the ball.
 
All I'm saying is Saban has produced tons of Oline prospects since he's been at Bama and all have been avg or below avg. Your run game is about angles and levels. Go find the best running teams in nfl and watch how they do it. Just rewatched Dallas v 49ers and 49ers use ZBS to create creases. When Dalvin was out for Minny, they plugged a no name dude in and he ran for almost 200. King Henry has been out for 10 weeks and the Titans pulled 2 ex Texans off the couch and can still run the ball.
I get what you're saying and agree with your points. However, how long have been a team who runs among the most in the NFL, but is amongst the least efficient.

At some point you have to acknowledge that run blocking is a talent and an attitude and most the Texans line doesn't have it.

Tunsil expecally. Neal would help that a lot.

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I get what you're saying and agree with your points. However, how long have been a team who runs among the most in the NFL, but is amongst the least efficient.

At some point you have to acknowledge that run blocking is a talent and an attitude and most the Texans line doesn't have it.

Tunsil expecally. Neal would help that a lot.

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Go with Tunsil and Howard as Tackles for 2022 and re-load the interior from the draft. I’d like to add a couple of RB’s in the draft and TE- OJ Howard (TB) in the off-season. High on my list is a WR who could take the top off defenses…..found one from Nebraska who’s 6-3 and fast…really fast who’s flying under the radar right now. His Pro Day may change his his current (projected) draft position. Sonny Gray from SMU is similar but he’s shorter/lighter version.
 
I don't know if I can agree with the "everyone of out this school sucks" logic. I judge everyone individually. Anyone Neal's size will have issues with balance, vs. guys 6'4" 300 lbs. But Neal's length is difficult to run around. And he creates a lot more force.

I think OTs are the safest picks, in general. And last longer than any positions other than QB. They're good investments, when you look at it from a value standpoint.
 
I get what you're saying and agree with your points. However, how long have been a team who runs among the most in the NFL, but is amongst the least efficient.

At some point you have to acknowledge that run blocking is a talent and an attitude and most the Texans line doesn't have it.

Tunsil expecally. Neal would help that a lot.

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Alot of why Texans can't run is scheme,tells,and rb talent. How can lil shanny run the ball consistently? Its not like they're loaded with high picks and on the oline and rb. How was Foster able to be so awesome with a late 1st rd pick, a 5th rd, 3rd rd, undrafted and cheap free agent Manning the oline? Your plays and angles in pass game/run game has to marry up? The lack of rb talent combined with pronounced run formations by Kelly gave this team little chance to be good at running the ball.
 
Alot of why Texans can't run is scheme,tells,and rb talent. How can lil shanny run the ball consistently? Its not like they're loaded with high picks and on the oline and rb. How was Foster able to be so awesome with a late 1st rd pick, a 5th rd, 3rd rd, undrafted and cheap free agent Manning the oline? Your plays and angles in pass game/run game has to marry up? The lack of rb talent combined with pronounced run formations by Kelly gave this team little chance to be good at running the ball.
Ive always been of the mindset that a Good Oline has more to do with a good run game than a RB. Also always saw Kelley "pronounced run formations" was more due to the Texans poor run blocking.

With that said, We might just have to agree to disagree. I'm sure the Texans are going to bring people with new philosophys to make the game plans and probably draft a few run blockers as well. Hopefully whatever they do works.

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Please sell me on this guy. Maybe the lack of success from Bama oline players is blurring my vision. Or maybe I watched him vs like competition and struggled. If you draft a oline player #3, he needs to be Pace/Ogden/ Thomas not just ok.

Did you watch him against Georgia's loaded DL? Or Cincy's Myjai Sanders who will probably be going in the 2nd rd of the draft? He was by far the best OL in the SEC. That says something since Kenyon Green/Salyers/Kinnard play in the SEC.

Obviously you need to go back and look at some of his games. Guys a stud.
 
I don't know if I can agree with the "everyone of out this school sucks" logic. I judge everyone individually. Anyone Neal's size will have issues with balance, vs. guys 6'4" 300 lbs. But Neal's length is difficult to run around. And he creates a lot more force.

I think OTs are the safest picks, in general. And last longer than any positions other than QB. They're good investments, when you look at it from a value standpoint.
There are no such things as safe when you're speaking about a college prospect. Remember Robert Gallery and Aaron Curry? What about Luke Joekel?
 
There are no such things as safe when you're speaking about a college prospect. Remember Robert Gallery and Aaron Curry? What about Luke Joekel?

Agreed, you should always take the guy that has the best chance to be a star level player and hope for the best.

In this draft my top 2 that meet this description are Neal and Hamilton.
 
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Alot of why Texans can't run is scheme,tells,and rb talent. How can lil shanny run the ball consistently? Its not like they're loaded with high picks and on the oline and rb. How was Foster able to be so awesome with a late 1st rd pick, a 5th rd, 3rd rd, undrafted and cheap free agent Manning the oline? Your plays and angles in pass game/run game has to marry up? The lack of rb talent combined with pronounced run formations by Kelly gave this team little chance to be good at running the ball.
Well the 49ers do have Williams/Tomlinson/Mack/ OT out of Notre Dame that were all 1st Rd picks.
 
So much depends on Tunsil status moving forward. With him, would rather draft Ikem Ekwonu. Can fill RG/RT. Most beastly unicorn I’ve ever seen. He’s always looking for work and players know that, those who don’t learn by getting bulldozed. Would pay admission alone just to see a Ekwonu Donald match-up.
 
So much depends on Tunsil status moving forward. With him, would rather draft Ikem Ekwonu. Can fill RG/RT. Most beastly unicorn I’ve ever seen. He’s always looking for work and players know that, those who don’t learn by getting bulldozed. Would pay admission alone just to see a Ekwonu Donald match-up.

His coach said that it was difficult to put into words, but you always wanted Donald to be the first one off of the bus .... just so the other team could see him first. He is an awesome physical specimen .... but it was just the " look on his face" !
 
Know it’s hard to avoid “the need” pick but this high you gotta identify the unicorn. 2014 Rick Smith/Bill O’Brian passed on two unicorns Khalil Mack and Aaron Donald. Regardless, roster is devoid of elite talent now, time to address type of talent that creates hardship for opposing teams.
 
So much depends on Tunsil status moving forward. With him, would rather draft Ikem Ekwonu. Can fill RG/RT. Most beastly unicorn I’ve ever seen. He’s always looking for work and players know that, those who don’t learn by getting bulldozed. Would pay admission alone just to see a Ekwonu Donald match-up.

Ekwonu has high school wrestling experience as well. If I were a GM i’d put that as something to look for when scouting both OL/DL.

Would love Ekwonu on this line. Would immediately provide a long overdo attitude adjustment.
 
The RT.

Bottom line is they added premium 1st rd talent to their OL.
Via free agency correct, not the draft. They draft and trade players who are scheme fit. If you don't have a scheme yet, you cant find players who fit. That goes on both sides of the ball. Thats why throwing out these potential draft picks makes 0 sense. If you hire a west coast guy, he's probably not going to want Neal. I mean look at their history.
 
Alot of why Texans can't run is scheme,tells,and rb talent. How can lil shanny run the ball consistently? Its not like they're loaded with high picks and on the oline and rb. How was Foster able to be so awesome with a late 1st rd pick, a 5th rd, 3rd rd, undrafted and cheap free agent Manning the oline? Your plays and angles in pass game/run game has to marry up? The lack of rb talent combined with pronounced run formations by Kelly gave this team little chance to be good at running the ball.
A good ZBS and running game coach. Alex Gibbs was able to be #1 or #2 in the league in rushing for several years. And he did this drafting most of his OL on day 3 of the draft and finding RBs who most had written off as JAG; Davis in Denver, Dunn in Atlanta and Foster in Houston. Gibbs was OL and running games coach in Denver under Mike Shanahan and Asst coach, OL and running game coach in Houston when Kyle Shanahan was in Houston. SF has some strong offense coaches who have been well versed in the run game McDaniel and Foerster.
 
Via free agency correct, not the draft. They draft and trade players who are scheme fit. If you don't have a scheme yet, you cant find players who fit. That goes on both sides of the ball. Thats why throwing out these potential draft picks makes 0 sense. If you hire a west coast guy, he's probably not going to want Neal. I mean look at their history.

They drafted McGlinchey in the 1st rd out of Notre Dame. He's currently hurt and Compton is playing in his spot.

Agreed, right now this is just an exercise in figuring out who the best players in this draft are. But if a huge dude that's the type of athlete Neal is cant fit in your scheme, then there's something wrong with your scheme.
 
If you draft a oline player #3, he needs to be Pace/Ogden/ Thomas not just ok.
I think he just needs to be a good player. Look at the past 5 #3 picks:

2021 - Trey Lance - 49ers
2020 - Jeff Okudah - Lions
2019 - Quinnen Williams - Jets
2018 - Sam Darnold - Jets
2017 - Solomon Thomas - 49ers

Not a real high bar the Texans have to clear to make a better pick @ #3.
 
Neals performance in the Combine should be interesting because if he's as athletic as described I keep wondering why he didn't end up on the defensive side of the line, because after all we know generally speaking the better athletes play DLine as opposed to Oline ?
 
I think he just needs to be a good player. Look at the past 5 #3 picks:

2021 - Trey Lance - 49ers
2020 - Jeff Okudah - Lions
2019 - Quinnen Williams - Jets
2018 - Sam Darnold - Jets
2017 - Solomon Thomas - 49ers

Not a real high bar the Texans have to clear to make a better pick @ #3.
When you draft any player that high, you're expecting a perennial pro bowler/ all pro type. When they're not, they're busts and replaced.
 
When you draft any player that high, you're expecting a perennial pro bowler/ all pro type. When they're not, they're busts and replaced.
Depends on the talent in the draft. These guys are graded on that curve.

Now if someone trades up to 3 yeah they’re expecting big things from the player. Like Mitch Trubisky
 
They drafted McGlinchey in the 1st rd out of Notre Dame. He's currently hurt and Compton is playing in his spot.

Agreed, right now this is just an exercise in figuring out who the best players in this draft are. But if a huge dude that's the type of athlete Neal is cant fit in your scheme, then there's something wrong with your scheme.
Not really because there may be things that don't fit. When they drafted Brown, he had what all those other guys had, ex dl/te needs coaching. Those 1st 3 yrs were up and down, but that coaching turned that athlete into a top shelf LT. One of the big reasons Reggie Bush was passed was because he was an undisciplined runner. Later in his career he began disciplined, but taking a guy who doesn't fit with what you're doing is waste of talent.
 
Depends on the talent in the draft. These guys are graded on that curve.

Now if someone trades up to 3 yeah they’re expecting big things from the player. Like Mitch Trubisky
They were calling Solomon Thomas a Sapp type like Donald and they passed Mahomes and Watson for him. People like to point to the Trubisky draft, but Thomas has been just as poor and he's on another team.
 
They were calling Solomon Thomas a Sapp type like Donald and they passed Mahomes and Watson for him. People like to point to the Trubisky draft, but Thomas has been just as poor and he's on another team.
All I’m saying is the quality of the draft makes a difference. Neither Mahomes or Watson were considered a top 5 prospect in that draft.

When Chicago traded up one spot to get Trubisky the value they gave up to get him said more about their expectations than his actual draft slot.
 
All I’m saying is the quality of the draft makes a difference. Neither Mahomes or Watson were considered a top 5 prospect in that draft.

When Chicago traded up one spot to get Trubisky the value they gave up to get him said more about their expectations than his actual draft slot.
Listen, I'm not arguing, just having discussions, right? How can you watch the 2017 cfb season and championship game and not determine Watson as a top 5 pick vs Trubisky? I do know qbs get pushed up, but Watson shouldn't have needed pushed up based on his resume. Its an imperfect science, but c'mon, Trubisky over Watson? SF missed and had to get Lance and give up picks.
 
Listen, I'm not arguing, just having discussions, right? How can you watch the 2017 cfb season and championship game and not determine Watson as a top 5 pick vs Trubisky? I do know qbs get pushed up, but Watson shouldn't have needed pushed up based on his resume. Its an imperfect science, but c'mon, Trubisky over Watson? SF missed and had to get Lance and give up picks.
I wasn’t stating my personal opinions. Neither do I believe Trubisky was a top 5 prospect. Just relating the consensus opinion of the time plus their actual draft slots.

All to support the point of the relativity of expectations.
 
Qbs are
I wasn’t stating my personal opinions. Neither do I believe Trubisky was a top 5 prospect. Just relating the consensus opinion of the time plus their actual draft slots.

All to support the point of the relativity of expectations.
Qbs are always elevated because its probably the most important position in sports. Josh Allen wasn't anywhere close to a top 10 pick coming into the season, but he had incredible size, strength, arm talent, and overall physical ability. He's made progressions every season and thats why qbs are elevated in the draft. If you draft a raw guy, you want good coaching to unlock that potential.
 
Not really because there may be things that don't fit. When they drafted Brown, he had what all those other guys had, ex dl/te needs coaching. Those 1st 3 yrs were up and down, but that coaching turned that athlete into a top shelf LT. One of the big reasons Reggie Bush was passed was because he was an undisciplined runner. Later in his career he began disciplined, but taking a guy who doesn't fit with what you're doing is waste of talent.

What I'm telling you is Salyer can fit in any scheme. Kinnard could be an above avg RT, but a great RT in any scheme. These guys are really talented and they're already battle tested. Fix that part of the team and trade whatever it takes to put another play maker or 2 around Mills and I'm happy. I look at this draft is if I could get by trading around Hamitlton/Kinnard (Lucky if he's there) Pickens (Who I would trade up to get} and either Goodrich or Woolen) I would consider that a very successful draft. Take some late rd shots but these are top 100 players that are proven playing for high stakes players. The stage wont be to big for them. Hamilton will be the a great start to the rebuild. Anyways trade up down or future picks. Get these 3 SEC guys and Hamilton and be thankful. If you need to trade Howard (What I would do) or Tunsil for more) find a way to make this happen and the rebuild will be well on it's way. If you hit on Goodrich or I one of the late rd RB's or edges in this draft I've really nailed this draft. This can be done by trading later picks or next yrs picks but these or 4 cornrerstone players. The kinds of rocks you build a franchise on.
 
Qbs are

Qbs are always elevated because its probably the most important position in sports. Josh Allen wasn't anywhere close to a top 10 pick coming into the season, but he had incredible size, strength, arm talent, and overall physical ability. He's made progressions every season and thats why qbs are elevated in the draft. If you draft a raw guy, you want good coaching to unlock that potential.

Mahomes and Allen are two of the most athletic QB's I've seen in my lifetime. Guys that can and do run but throwing the ball comes 1st and they both throw with such timing and velocity it's very rare and these guys are going to lead the next generation of QB's.

To think, that a few yrs ago I was mocked for saying that Allen was a better QB at the time and would end up a beter QB than Derrick will ever be is laughable. This guy is a true ascending talent.

BTW, I'm hoping for 4 difference makers comming out of this draft. If Jimmy G can play in a SB/NFCCG 2 times in 3 yrs why cant Mills if you put 4 playmakers each yr for the next 2 yrs through the draft and add 2-3 fA's like Caserio did this yr and the future is bright..
 
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Please pull that thread up. Personally
Mahomes and Allen are two of the most athletic QB's I've seen in my lifetime. Guys that can and do run but throwing the ball comes 1st and they both throw with such timing and velocity it's very rare and these guys are going to lead the next generation of QB's.

To think, that a few yrs ago I was mocked for saying that Allen was a better QB at the time and would end up a beter QB than Derrick will ever be is laughable. This guy is a true ascending talent.

BTW, I'm hoping for 4 difference makers comming out of this draft. If Jimmy G can play in a SB/NFCCG 2 times in 3 yrs why cant Mills if you put 4 playmakers each yr for the next 2 yrs through the draft and add 2-3 fA's like Caserio did this yr and the future is bright..
Please pull that thread up, but coming from you, it doesn't sound out of the way especially with your disdain for Watson. Buffalo traded for Diggs and got a 1st. Signed Beasley, signed Sanders, drafted Davis and Knox and fielded the #1 defense in the NFL. Please tell me what the Texans did? I know. Traded a top 5 wr, had bums designing and calling plays.

Shanny is calling plays to keep Jimmy from losing the game. Again, a top 3 defense and a top 5 run game and one of the most innovative coaches we've seen off his daddy tree. Everybody and their mama knew Shanny wasn't about to entrust Jimmy G and was running the ball, yet GB passed the bed again. Not to mention Lynch and Shanny has proven they can build a team , Caserio hasn't to date. Mills ain't beating any of those guys in the playoffs, I'm sorry. He doesn't have special traits or qualities. At the end of the day, the weaker your qb the more you need to win. In today's nfl, your qb is going to have to make up for things you don't have. By the way, isn't the dude Esterby ran out of town with the Bills? I thought so
 
What I'm telling you is Salyer can fit in any scheme. Kinnard could be an above avg RT, but a great RT in any scheme. These guys are really talented and they're already battle tested. Fix that part of the team and trade whatever it takes to put another play maker or 2 around Mills and I'm happy. I look at this draft is if I could get by trading around Hamitlton/Kinnard (Lucky if he's there) Pickens (Who I would trade up to get} and either Goodrich or Woolen) I would consider that a very successful draft. Take some late rd shots but these are top 100 players that are proven playing for high stakes players. The stage wont be to big for them. Hamilton will be the a great start to the rebuild. Anyways trade up down or future picks. Get these 3 SEC guys and Hamilton and be thankful. If you need to trade Howard (What I would do) or Tunsil for more) find a way to make this happen and the rebuild will be well on it's way. If you hit on Goodrich or I one of the late rd RB's or edges in this draft I've really nailed this draft. This can be done by trading later picks or next yrs picks but these or 4 cornrerstone players. The kinds of rocks you build a franchise on.
Everybody wants to trade and move around for this player and that player, which is cool when its you and someone else talking about it,but you've done the 32 team mock on this site before. Did you get every player you wanted? Its easy when try to rank players on a board, but when you try to actually get them, its different. One of my absolute best friends was a 1st rd draft pick in 1990. He thought all the way until draft day he was going to Dallas. They passed and he still went top 15, but the team that drafted him never even talked to him.
I'm not saying your wish list isn't valid, I'm just saying the coaches know the body type and ability of the players they can make successful. No way RS draft Fido and X if Kubes or wco coach is in there. Shanny got Kitties in the 5th rd, Daniels was in the 4th, they have attributes they look for. If you draft guys the coaches don't feel fits, its a wasted pick.
 
My very very early evaluations are: Ekwonu is the most athletic and best run blocker, Cross has great footwork and is the best pass blocker. Neal could become the best guard in the NFL.
Ekwonu is the best run blocker since Quenton Nelson. Even more violent. But, he's raw as a pass blocker. Waist bender that can easily get off balance. Needs a lot of coaching, even to play at Guard. No way can he play LT as a rookie.

Cross is plug and play as a pass blocker. His balance is outstanding. Coming out of the Air Raid, it's unknown what kind of run blocker he will be. Just a position blocker in the college offense.

Neal is always going to have some balance issues as a pass blocker due to his size. But, he will always be tough to run around due to his size. I think Neal would fit best in a WCO where most plays look like run plays, and he doesn't have to make a lot of deep sets.
 
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