Evan Neal, the backbone of Alabama’s offensive line in recent years as a stalwart left tackle, is off the board at the NFL Draft.

Neal, who is listed at 6-foot-7 1/2 and 337 pounds, was selected No. 7 overall by the New York Giants.

Neal, a native of Okeechobee, Florida, was notable with the Crimson Tide for his versatility along the line as he had 40 starts over 3 seasons at 3 positions. Neal started 13 games at left guard in 2019, 12 games at right tackle in 2020 and 15 games at left tackle in 2021. Neal was a permanent team captain for 2021, and a consensus first-team All-American.

Last season, Neal accounted for a team-high 34 knockdown blocks and played 1,200 snaps over 15 games.

Neal was a top 10 recruit in the country out of IMG Academy in Florida, and he started all 13 games at right guard in 2019 en route to an SEC All-Freshman Team selection. Neal moved to right tackle in 2020, leading the team’s offense for all 13 games on its way to a CFP National Championship.

Neal will be the third member of his family to play in the NFL. Two of his uncles played football with the Miami Hurricanes and in the NFL: running back Cleveland Gary (first-round pick of the Rams in 1989) and defensive lineman Jimmie Jones (third-round pick of Dallas in 1990, where he won two Super Bowls).