The first round of the 2022 NFL Daft was historic for many reasons.
For starters, it was the first time the Giants held two picks in the top seven in the 87-year history of the annual player selection meeting. On top of that, they were one of nine teams with multiple first-round picks, which broke the previous record of six (four times, most recently in 2020).
The nine offensive linemen taken in Round 1 were also tied for the second-most in the common draft era, trailing the 10 that were selected in 1968. The Giants contributed to that ledger by taking Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal seventh overall, two picks after they selected Oregon edge defender Kayvon Thibodeaux.
They will be the foundational pieces in a new era of Giants football under general manager Joe Schoen and coach Brain Daboll. Here are 10 things to know about the new player duo:
1. Thibodeaux, 6-5 and 258 pounds, was the highest-rated signee in Oregon history. The USA Today High School Defensive Player of the Year was the No. 1 recruit in the 2019 class coming out of Los Angeles' Oaks Christian High School. He went on to finish tied for seventh in Ducks history with 19.0 career sacks in 31 games (second in Pac-12 from 2019-21)
2. Neal, 6-7 and 350 pounds, is the fifth offensive tackle over the last 15 draft classes with plus-90-90-80 Next Gen Stats overall, production, and athleticism scores.
3. Thibodeaux was the first Oregon defensive lineman to earn All-America honors since DeForest Buckner in 2015. Bucker was drafted seventh overall in 2015 and has been named to the Pro Bowl twice in addition to first-team All-Pro.
4. The Giants plan to slot Neal in at right tackle, playing opposite left tackle Andrew Thomas, the fourth overall pick in the 2020 draft. Neal missed only one game in his Alabama career due to COVID protocols.
5. Thibodeaux lived up to his recruiting hype and set the Oregon freshman record with a team-high 9.0 sacks in 2019 (most by a Pac-12 freshman since Nick Perry of USC in 2009). Coaches voted him the Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year as he also set a Pac-12 Championship Game record with 2.5 sacks in the win over Utah.
View photos of the Giants' draft picks as they tour their new home.
CB Cor'dale Flott, OL Joshua Ezedu, WR Wan'dale Robinson
Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux, OT Evan Neal
Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux
Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux
CB Cor'dale Flott
Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux
OT Evan Neal
OT Evan Neal
General Manager Joe Schoen, OT Evan Neal, Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux, Head Coach Brian Daboll
Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux
OT Evan Neal, Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux
OT Evan Neal
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, right, stands next to with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked by the New York Giants with the fifth pick of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher )
Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal poses for photos after being picked by the New York Giants with the seventh pick of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher )
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, from left, Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the NFL, and Sam Prince hold a team jersey after Kayvon Thibodeaux was chosen by the New York Giants with the 5th pick at the 2022 NFL Draft, Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal, left, and Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the NFL, holds a team jersey after Evan Neal was chosen by the New York Giants with the 7th pick at the 2022 NFL Draft, Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux celebrates on stage after being selected as the 5th pick for the New York Giants in the NFL football draft on Thursday, April, 28 2022 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux arrives on the red carpet before the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff lewis)
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux arrives on the red carpet before the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff lewis)
Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal celebrates with fans after being picked by the New York Giants with the seventh pick of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal celebrates with fans after being picked by the New York Giants with the seventh pick of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux enters the stage after being picked by the New York Giants with the fifth pick of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux enters the stage after being picked by the New York Giants with the fifth pick of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal poses for photos after being picked by the New York Giants with the seventh pick of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher )
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux holds a team jersey after he was chosen by the New York Giants with the 5th pick at the 2022 NFL Draft, Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal stands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked by the New York Giants with the seventh pick of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong )
Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal stands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked by the New York Giants with the seventh pick of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong )
Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal stands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked by the New York Giants with the seventh pick of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong )
Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal enters the stage after being picked by the New York Giants with the seventh pick of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher )
Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal holds a team jersey after he was chosen by the New York Giants with the 7th pick at the 2022 NFL Draft, Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal puts on a hat after being picked by the New York Giants with the seventh pick of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher )
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux celebrates with supporters after being picked by the New York Giants with the fifth pick of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux celebrates with supporters after being picked by the New York Giants with the fifth pick of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux holds a jersey after being picked by the New York Giants with the fifth pick of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher )
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong )
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux holds a jersey after being picked by the New York Giants with the fifth pick of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher )
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux shakes hands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked by the New York Giants with the fifth pick of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher )
Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux enters the stage after being picked by the New York Giants with the fifth pick of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux holds up a jersey for the New York Giants with the 5th pick in the NFL football draft on Thursday, April, 28 2022 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong )
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal walks towards the stage after being selected by the New York Giants seventh overall during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal high fives a New York Giants fan during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal poses on the red carpet before the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal takes a selfie with New York Giants fans during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal smiles as he approaches excited New York Giants fans during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal takes a selfie with New York Giants fans during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal signs a New York Giants fan's jersey during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux poses with New York Giants fans after being selected during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux poses with New York Giants fans after being selected during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal poses with New York Giants fans during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal poses on the red carpet before the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux poses with New York Giants fans after being selected during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal poses with his parents on the red carpet before the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux celebrates with New York Giants fans after being selected during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal poses on the red carpet before the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal poses on the red carpet before the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal arrives on the red carpet before the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Joe Buglewicz/AP Images for NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal hugs NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the New York Giants seventh overall during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux poses for a photo after selected by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal poses for a photo with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the New York Giants seventh overall during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal poses for a photo after being selected by the New York Giants seventh overall during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal walks towards the stage after being selected by the New York Giants seventh overall during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux walks towards the stage after being selected fifth overall by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux poses for a photo after being selected fifth overall by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux walks towards the stage after being selected fifth overall by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux sits in the green room during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux walks towards the stage after being selected fifth overall by the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux
OT Evan Neal
OT Evan Neal
Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux
OT Evan Neal
Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux
Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux
Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux
Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux
OT Evan Neal
Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux
Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux
Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux
OT Evan Neal
General Manager Joe Schoen, OT Evan Neal, Head Coach Brian Daboll
General Manager Joe Schoen, OT Evan Neal, Head Coach Brian Daboll
OT Evan Neal
Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux
OT Evan Neal
OT Evan Neal
CB Cor'dale Flott
WR Wan'dale Robinson
WR Wan'dale Robinson
CB Cor'dale Flott
OL Joshua Ezedu
WR Wan'dale Robinson
WR Wan'dale Robinson
WR Wan'dale Robinson
OL Joshua Ezedu
OL Joshua Ezedu
WR Wan'dale Robinson
WR Wan'dale Robinson
OL Joshua Ezedu
OL Joshua Ezedu
OL Joshua Ezedu
CB Cor'dale Flott
OL Joshua Ezedu
CB Cor'dale Flott
CB Cor'dale Flott, WR Wan'dale Robinson
WR Wan'dale Robinson
CB Cor'Dale Flott
CB Cor'Dale Flott
WR Wan'dale Robinson
WR Wan'dale Robinson
CB Cor'Dale Flott
CB Cor'Dale Flott
OL Joshua Ezeudu
Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux
OL Joshua Ezeudu
6. Neal started 40 games at three positions along the Alabama offensive line – 13 at left guard in 2019, 12 at right tackle in 2020 and 15 at left tackle in 2021.
7. Thibodeaux produced when it mattered the most and led the nation with seven sacks in the fourth quarter in 2019. His 34.5 career tackles for loss were fifth-most among active Power 5 players since the start of 2019.
8. Neal won a national championship with Alabama in 2020, anchoring the right side of an offensive line that blocked for the Power 5's No. 1 scoring offense (48.5 ppg), No. 1 pass efficiency offense (198.9), No. 2 passing offense (358.2 ypg), No. 2 total offense (541.6 ypg) and No. 23 rushing attack (183.5 ypg). The Tide scored 37 rushing touchdowns in 13 games to lead the nation that season.
9. Hall of Famer Michael Strahan advised Thibodeaux, who is also known for his larger-than-life personality, leading up the draft and looks to continue the mentorship. "He literally is one of my mentors, and he's been talking to me throughout this process," said Thibodeaux shortly after the Giants drafted him fifth overall on Thursday night. "He actually came to visit me when I was on my [prospect] visit with the team, so seeing him out there, that was really dope because he's given me wisdom and he even was able to speak on my behalf because we have built a relationship over the year."
10. Neal's father, Eddie, played linebacker at Tulane. His two uncles played at the University of Miami and in the NFL: running back Cleveland Gary (drafted in first round by Rams in 1989) and two-time Super Bowl champion Jimmie Jones, a defensive tackle drafted in the third round by the Cowboys in 1990.
See which draft prospects remain on NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah's top 150 list.
No. 150 Bo Melton, WR, Rutgers
No. 147 Matt Araiza, P, San Diego State
No. 145 Christian Benford, CB, Villanova
No. 144 Dallis Flowers, CB, Pittsburgh State
No. 143 Aaron Hansford, LB, Texas A&M
No. 141 Haskell Garrett, DT, Ohio State
No. 138 David Anenih, EDGE, Houston
No. 137 Christopher Allen, EDGE, Alabama
No. 136 Amare Barno, EDGE, Virginia Tech
No. 134 Matthew Butler, DT, Tennessee
No. 126 Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama
No. 120 Jamaree Salyer, IOL, Georgia
No. 118 Tariq Castro-Fields, CB, Penn State
No. 113 Abram Smith, RB, Baylor
No. 110 Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati
No. 109 Malcolm Rodriguez, LB, Oklahoma State
