Why Florida Safety Keanu Neal Has Good Chance to Crash Draft’s 1st Round

Often we hear about prospects who may have benefited from their supporting cast enough to inflate their draft stock, so teams should potentially be wary of their upside. It’s common with Alabama defenders and running backs, USC quarterbacks and other top-talent teams with big names leading their offensive or defensive units.

In Keanu Neal’s case, and surprisingly for a Florida program that should be battling for tops in the SEC, the opposite is true. As a strong safety at Florida, he suffered through a mediocre defense that failed to highlight his efficient run defense and highly explosive pass coverage. Despite a lackluster supporting cast and relatively little buzz in the draft process, Neal may be a first-round talent, and you shouldn’t be surprised when ends up being drafted in the top 31 selections.

Efficient and Reliable Run Defender

Neal suffered through a hamstring issue that didn’t allow him to wow early in the season. But once he was 100 percent healthy, his top-end athleticism and explosiveness began to really blossom into first-round potential. Possessing NFL size at 6’0″, 211 pounds, Neal is able to finish with power as a run defender and wrap up even elusive running backs effectively.

As in the play above, Neal is able to plant when he reads run and viciously attack runners upfield and on the perimeter. While he struggled a bit with running angles at times and overstepping his running lane, his violence coupled with efficiency in his wrap-up is what makes him a special strong safety run defender.

Along with this type of run-defending efficiency and steps, it’s Neal’s persistent effort that really stands out on film. Neal, when playing his natural strong safety position, is …

continue reading in source www.bleacherreport.com