New York Giants land Kayvon Thibodeaux at No. 5 overall pick, Evan Neal at No. 7 in NFL draft

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants landed two of the most talented players in the NFL draft when they selected Oregon Ducks edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux and Alabama Crimson Tide offensive tackle Evan Neal with the fifth and seventh picks, respectively, on Thursday night.

Thibodeaux was a surprise selection at No. 5, but the board played out perfectly with all three of the draft's top offensive tackles still available, allowing them to grab Neal with the seventh pick after the Carolina Panthers took offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu at No. 6.

Thibodeaux was one of the draft's biggest names and most debated players. Some questioned his effort and work ethic, and concentration on his brand.

But the Giants didn't think that was a problem after doing extensive work on Thibodeaux, who has an electric first step. New general manager Joe Schoen travelled to Eugene, Oregon, for Thibodeaux's pro day just days after the NFL's annual meetings in Florida. The Giants also snuck in a Zoom meeting with the talented pass rusher the week of the draft.

One of the top prospects entering this past season, Thibodeaux had seven sacks despite playing with an ankle injury in 2021. His 17.8% pressure percentage was third-best in the FBS.

New York was the only team in the NFL last season to rank in the bottom five in both pass block win rate and pass rush win rate, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

Neal, 21, was a second-team AP All-American this past season and a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award. He allowed one sack his junior season, which came in the national title game against Georgia Bulldogs.

Neal saw constant improvement at Alabama. His pressure percentage allowed dipped from 2.5% as a freshman (when he