The competition might not be as stiff like as Deonte Banks and Cor\u2019Dale Flott<\/a> vying the second starting cornerback spot opposite Paulson Adebo<\/a>. Yet the Giants are seemingly giving Neal a chance to compete for the starting job after declining his fifth-year option this offseason.<\/p>\n Van Roten understands how tough that can be. He played tackle in college at Penn before moving to guard during his rookie year with the Packers.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not easy to move inside, especially at this level, but (Evan\u2019s) taken it in stride,\u201d Van Roten said. \u201cHe\u2019s trying to learn every day and work on his technique and improve. I\u2019m sure he\u2019s been humbled. This is not what he thought his career was going to be at this point but sometimes it takes a while for guys to get going.\u201d<\/p>\n Van Roten has seen that happen in his career. After going undrafted and making the Packers roster in 2012, he didn\u2019t start an NFL game until six years later at left guard with the Panthers. He also switched to right guard during his two-year stint with the Jets (2020-21).<\/p>\n For Neal, there will be growing pains and mistakes but Van Roten noted the key is to avoid repeating them. He also thinks Neal could find a way to thrive at guard given his size and strength.<\/p>\n \u201cI think he could have a bright future if he just keeps embrace, working and trying to figure it out,\u201d Van Roten said.<\/p>\n It\u2019s similar to how Van Roten is embracing the journey of raising two kids now. There was a special moment when his first daughter Nora briefly held Anna before passing her back.<\/p>\n At 19 months old, Nora didn\u2019t fully understand what was going on. Yet it reminded Van Roten how fatherhood changed him to be less self-centered. Having a second child made him appreciate not just his growth but those around to help him and his wife handle the challenges.<\/p>\n It\u2019s given him a sharper focus entering his 11th season not just for himself, but how to continue being a better father and husband.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess I didn\u2019t realize how selfish I was in my time, then you have a baby and it\u2019s just really about supporting your wife and helping raise a child,\u201d Van Roten said. \u201cThen to have another kid, add that to the mix, it gets a lot crazier. It\u2019s a lot harder so far but we have a great support group and network.\u201d<\/p>\n