Anyone wanting to see Alabama football offensive lineman Evan Neal run a 40-yard dash Wednesday left the pro day disappointed. 

While other Crimson Tide NFL draft prospects took part in tests such as the 40 and the broad jump, Neal waited until toward the end of the afternoon to take part in positional drills. 

Coaches ran him and fellow offensive lineman Chris Owens through some drive blocking and pass sets. And Neal fared well, displaying athleticism and crisp footwork for NFL personnel. In a short period of time, he put on an offensive line clinic. 

That was it for him for the day. 

His on-field work was short-lived, but still longer than what he did at the NFL combine in February. There, he didn't take part in any drills. 

He will go through the draft process without involvement in most of the non-game measuring sticks NFL teams sometimes put too much stock into as they decide who they want to add to their rosters. 

That's OK, though. In fact, it's smart. Neal didn't really need to take part in many of these drills or tests. His tape alone stands tall. About as tall as his towering 6-foot-7 frame. 

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Neal had much more to lose than gain by letting a bunch of NFL folks see how fast he can run 40 yards, something offensive linemen really don't do unless it's to go celebrate a touchdown. 

He's already viewed as a top-10 – and likely even top-five – pick based on his film. 

"That’s what you go to college for: to put it on tape," Neal said. "The NFL is going to watch it, and that’s what they judge you based on. The tape." 

That tape was darn good as he protected the blind side of Heisman-Trophy winner Bryce Young in 2021. Neal also showed the ability to play right tackle (2020) and left guard (2019). 

"His size and athletic ability has put him in a position where I think he has a very bright future," Alabama coach Nick Saban said. "He did a great job for us, whether he played guard or tackle. I'm sure that diversity will help him as a pro player as well." 

The athleticism Neal has is already well known. Look no further than his split box jump in summer 2021. 

Combine that athleticism with his size and it makes him worthy of a top selection come April 28. 

Teams with a pick in the top five were well represented in Tuscaloosa. The Jacksonville Jaguars sent multiple representatives, including offensive line coach Phil Rauscher. He and Jets offensive line coach John Benton put Neal through drills and also talked with him and Owens before the workout. 

Chris Pettit, director of college scouting for the New York Giants, also spent time chatting with Neal. 

The Jaguars hold the No. 1 overall pick, the Jets have the fourth pick and the Giants select fifth. Neal said he will also have visits with all three before the draft. 

The Jaguars also put him through a formal interview at the combine. 

"They’re a great organization," Neal said. "My interview with them at the combine went really well." 

Whether the Jaguars go offensive line or opt for another position such as pass rusher, the interest makes one thing clear: Neal is a top prospect, and he didn't need to prove that at the combine or his pro day. 

His tape shows teams everything they need to know. 

Contact Alabama reporter Nick Kelly: nkelly@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter: @_NickKelly.