As the New York Giants prepare for the upcoming training camp, the offensive line is expected to remain intact, a promising development for a unit that has faced significant challenges. General Manager Joe Schoen has made key additions through free agency, and with players like Andrew Thomas recovering well from injury, the Giants are optimistic about their starting lineup for the 2025 season.

However, Evan Neal's future with the team is uncertain. The former first-round pick has struggled since being drafted, leading to questions about his role and potential release. Schoen hinted that a significant improvement in Neal's performance is crucial for his continuation with the Giants, emphasizing that the organization might be ready for a fresh start.

The New York Giants' offensive line, a frequent target of criticism, is set to become one of the NFL's most financially burdensome units in 2025, with a projected cost of $67.7 million. This figure ranks third in the league, trailing only the Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs, who have allocated $95.3 million and $81.5 million, respectively.

The Giants' investment is spread across 14 players, with left tackle Andrew Thomas leading the charge at a staggering $21 million cap hit. Other key figures include guard Jon Runyan Jr. at $11.7 million and both Jermaine Eluemunor and Evan Neal at $9.2 million and $7.8 million, respectively. Despite this financial commitment, injuries and inconsistent performance have hampered the unit's effectiveness, leading to skepticism about the Giants' long-term strategy concerning their offensive line.

The New York Giants continue to reshape their offensive line, bolstering it with the acquisition of veteran tackles James Hudson III and Stone Forsythe. General manager Joe Schoen is clearly focused on improving the team's depth, particularly as Evan Neal, the 2022 first-round pick, is struggling in his current tackle position. Neal has expressed openness to transitioning to guard, although the Giants have a crowded roster at that position.

Schoen's confidence in the offensive line is evident as he reflects on their performances when Andrew Thomas was healthy. He emphasizes the importance of veteran leadership, particularly from Greg Van Roten, who returns to foster the development of younger linemen. With the NFL Draft approaching, Schoen has the opportunity to further enhance the line, especially considering they hold five of the top 105 picks.

The New York Giants' general manager Joe Schoen has worked diligently over the past three years to rectify the team's precarious salary cap situation, which was compounded by ill-placed contracts. Despite the improvements, some players remain overpaid, and Andrew Thomas has been highlighted as the most overpaid on the roster. With a five-year, $117.5 million contract, Thomas's performance has been inconsistent, primarily due to injuries that have sidelined him for significant stretches. His average salary per game is staggering, resulting in millions lost during injury-plagued seasons, raising questions about his value going forward.

The NFL Divisional Playoff Round showcased an overwhelming trend towards first-round quarterbacks, with seven out of eight starting signal-callers being first-round selections. This includes two players who were the first overall picks in their drafts, highlighting the trend that top draft investments in quarterbacks often lead to significant playoff success. Notably, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens is in contention for his third MVP award, underscoring his importance among the elite.

Historically, quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Brock Purdy offer examples of success despite being drafted in lower rounds, yet this year's playoffs reaffirm the value of high draft picks. Teams like the Lions and Rams, with Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford respectively, show the potential of first overall selections to succeed in Super Bowl appearances. Recent drafts have also produced top contenders, like C.J. Stroud and Jayden Daniels, who are both No. 2 picks.