Draft bust Evan Neal among Giants’ roster cuts
The Giants cut four draft picks and found ways for five others to survive the bubble.
Used to much better drafts than the Giants have produced under general manager Joe Schoen’s watch, head coach John Harbaugh cleared out offensive lineman Evan Neal (2022 first-round pick), running back Eric Gray (2023 fifth-rounder), receiver Jalin Hyatt (2023 third-rounder) and linebacker Darius Muasau (2024 sixth-rounder) as part of the cut from 91 to 53 players.
Some of those four players could return to the practice squad if they pass through waivers. All four were drafted by Joe Schoen.
None were a bigger bust than Neal, who flopped at tackle, butted heads with the fan base, tried to move to guard, didn’t play a snap last season and still re-signed to a minimum contract in free agency for the chance to play for Harbaugh. But the former No. 7 overall pick mostly lined up with the third-team offense during training camp.
Kayvon Thibodeaux (No. 5 pick) is now the only player remaining from Schoen’s 10-person 2022 draft class.
When accounting for the trade of offensive guard Josh Ezeudu (2022 third-rounder) to the Chiefs, Harbaugh moved out five former draft picks during the preseason.
Defensive tackle Darius Alexander (2025 third-rounder), running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (2024 fifth-rounder) and receiver Darius Slayton (2019 fifth-rounder) survived the cut despite disappointing camp performances.
Cornerback Korie Black (2025 seventh-rounder) was placed on injured reserve and is out for at least the first four games. He was cut last preseason and signed with the Jets practice squad, but ultimately got a second chance when Big Blue had an in-season cornerback shortage.
Thomas Fidone (2025 seventh-rounder) made the initial roster as the No. 4 tight end (No. 5 when including fullback Patrick Ricard) but could be in jeopardy when the dust settles on the waiver wire.
Cornerback Deonte Banks (2023 first-rounder) played himself off the roster bubble and potentially into a starting role.