Giants Now: Thibodeaux, Neal All-Rookie Team?

Kayvon Thibodeaux, Evan Neal named to NFL.com All-Rookie Team

The Giants made two selections in the first seven picks of this year’s NFL draft, taking OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux at No. 5 and OT Evan Neal at No. 7.

Both players look poised to take on big roles in their rookie seasons, which could lead to some early success for the first-year players.

NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter released his early choices for the 2022 All-Rookie Team, where the Giants were represented on both sides of the ball.

“It will not be a shock if Thibodeaux racks up double-digit sacks as a rookie, like former top-10 picks Josh Allen, Joey Bosa and Von Miller did in Year 1,” writes Reuter. “That’s certainly his stated goal in 2022. The Giants will give him every opportunity to use his length and strength on the edge across from last year’s second-round pick, Azeez Olujari.”

Thibodeaux was one of Reuter’s picks at EDGE, joining Detroit’s Aidan Hutchinson and Kansas City’s George Karlaftis.

Meanwhile, Neal was accompanied by Seattle’s Charles Cross as the draft analyst’s All-Rookie Team selections at offensive tackle.

“If the Giants are to take a step forward in 2022, the offensive line must improve,” says Reuter. “Neal’s power on the right side points them in the right direction. Saquon Barkley could be in for a rebound year running behind the massive Neal and new starting right guard Mark Glowinski.”