When New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley first laid eyes on offensive tackle Evan Neal, his only thought was that they were filming Game of Thrones in East Rutherford.
While attending the United Way of New York City 29th annual Gridiron Gala at The Glasshouse in Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday evening, Barkley recalled that first encounter.
“Evan Neal, he’s a physical specimen,” Barkley said, via the New York Daily News. “He came for the draft top 30 visit. All the draft people kinda were by my locker. He was there and I was like, ‘oh my God, who is that?’
“I saw him and was like I would not be mad if we would pick him up. I didn’t know he was gonna drop that far (to No. 7 overall), but great. I’m glad he’s on our team.”
The 6-foot-7, 337-pound Neal is a giant of man. He also plays a position in desperate need of a talent infusion, which would directly benefit both Barkley and quarterback Daniel Jones.
“They’re great talents,” Barkley said of Neal and Kayvon Thibodeaux. “I’m excited especially selfishly as a running back, when you get a 6-7, 350-pound lineman helping you out — but not just myself, the quarterback, too, and our offense in general.”
There’s a lot of pressure mounting on the shoulders of Neal but he hasn’t flinched. He’s confident in his ability and is laser focused on helping to hang more championship banners in the field house.
