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With few offensive line options on the roster, Falcons Senior Reporter Tori McElhaney explored a potential trade for a former top 10 pick: OL Evan Neal.
Heading into this season, the Falcons offensive line unit looked to be one of the team’s biggest strengths. But, after a potentially disastrous injury to RT Kaleb McGary and the news that backup OT Storm Norton may be out six to eight weeks, Atlanta’s offensive line depth is already being challenged. With limited options on the roster, Falcons Senior Reporter Tori McElhaney explored one potential trade for a former top 10 pick.
Falcons Urged to Strengthen Depth at OL
As McElhaney notes, any time you’re discussing the offensive line, “eight times out of 10, it’s not a good thing.” Unfortunately, the number one thing grabbing headlines for the Falcons this week is their offensive line depth (or lack thereof).
While the offensive line, as a whole, has garnered plenty of praise over the past few years, McElhaney pointed out that the individual pieces – other than Chris Lindstrom – don’t hold up as well on their own. But, after the injuries and two “lackluster performances” during their first two preseason games, the Falcons have more questions than answers at the position.
McElhaney wrote that she’s “pretty desperate for answers,” considering the importance of Michael Penix Jr.‘s blindside protector.
“It’s Chris Lindstrom’s right hand man,” McElhaney wrote. “For all the flak directed McGary’s way over the years (a lot of it undeserved in my opinion), he was a vital cog in the wheel that made the Falcons’ offense go.”
While answering questions from Falcons fans, McElhaney responded to an inquiry regarding moving OG Matthew Bergeron to tackle. Even though Bergeron played tackle in college, McElhaney noted that “moving Bergeron creates more issues than it solves.”
With final roster cuts coming up on Tuesday, there could be several options for the Falcons to pursue. But, with a lack of depth, McElhaney suggested that Atlanta should “wade through those waters” to find a viable option in free agency. Or, if that plan falls through, the Falcons could pursue a player like New York Giants OL Evan Neal.
Evan Neal Could Use a Fresh Start in Atlanta
During the pre-draft process, Neal stood out as a “dominant run blocker” who has “excellent first-step quickness for his size,” according to ESPN NFL Draft analyst Steve Muench. But, after three disappointing seasons with the New York Giants, the Falcons could be in the market for Neal as a replacement at tackle.
Earlier on Thursday, Lead Draft Writer Eric Edholm listed Neal as the Giants’ trade candidate, noting that “time is running out for him to reemerge as a starter.”
“They might not be in a hurry to ditch a former top-10 pick with possible untapped reserves, but if they can get something in return for him, they might listen,” Edholm wrote.
Back to McElhaney, she noted that Neal still has the athletic upside, but he’s been unable to string together enough solid performances to keep his starting role. Giants assistant general manager Brandon Brown noted that Neal has been “all on board” with the move to guard, but they “need the flashes to be consistent.”
McElhaney believes that the Falcons should give Neal another shot to prove himself as a viable option at tackle.
“I would entertain it, and wouldn’t stick up my nose at the opportunity,” McElhaney wrote.
She did ponder what the Falcons would be willing to offer to bring in Neal. While it’s unclear what the Giants would want in return, his benching likely dropped the price to something much more manageable.
Trevor Williamson Trevor Williamson joined Heavy Sports as a contributor in May 2025, focusing on the NFL. He is based in the southwest, but is originally from the midwest, where he grew up as a fan of the Bears, Cubs and Bulls surrounded by Packers, Brewers and Bucks fans. He is confident that Caleb Williams is the guy who will bring the Bears back to prominence. More about Trevor Williamson
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