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Keanu Neal, S, Florida: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Kyle Sumner McKinnon

Sep 26, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Keanu Neal (42) tackles Tennessee Volunteers tight end Ethan Wolf (82) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 28-27. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Keanu Neal (42) tackles Tennessee Volunteers tight end Ethan Wolf (82) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 28-27. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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An aggressive, physical safety with a motor that never quits, Keanu Neal will look to be a top-50 pick as the draft draws near.

Few players in the entire NFL Draft possess the kind of raw intangibles that Keanu Neal has.

Despite having to sit out Florida’s first two games last season due to a hamstring injury, Neal compiled a staggering 96 tackles, good for third best on the team.

There are some concerns with his overly-aggressive tackling methods and coverage ability, but they shouldn’t hinder the safety’s chances of being selected in the first two rounds.

Let’s break down Neal’s current draft stock.

Vitals

Ht: 6-0

Wt: 211 pounds

Class: Junior

Hometown: Bushnell, FL

Prospect Video

Strengths

It’s hard to name another safety in the draft that is as physical or as aggressive as Neal. He loves to make contact with ballcarriers and can deliver violent, momentum-changing hits on any given play.

For a player of his size, Neal controls his pro-ready body well and rarely whiffs on tackles. A high energy guy with a motor that doesn’t quit, if told that there were four more quarters to play in a game, the standout Gator would line up for every single extra down.

Weaknesses

Though he improved as a cover-safety over the course of his junior season, there’s still plenty of room for improvement in that area of Neal’s game. He struggles to break through opposing blockers and frequently gets caught looking in the backfield, as well.

If Neal wants to be a difference-making player at the next level, he’ll need to hit the film room more often and discipline his eyes in order to progress at a faster rate.

Verdict

Playmaking cover-safeties are severely lacking right now in the NFL.

Neal doesn’t quite fit that mold at the moment, but he has the skill set necessary to develop into such a player.

A second-round talent with as much potential as any in the draft, Neal could become a productive starter in the league in as little as one year.

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