Siran Neal

[SEMO 6,811]

SIRAN NEAL (S)

HT: 6'0" WT: 199LBS.

POSITION: S

SCHOOL: Jacksonville St.

 

 

Overview

 

Neal has already tasted the pleasures of parenthood at 24 years old, being the proud father of twin daughters, Londyn and Lauryn. He's also received twin first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference accolades the past two seasons. He was a linebacker in 2016, making 80 tackles, 11.5 for loss, an interception and four pass break-ups. Coaches moved Neal to cornerback for his senior year, and he rose to the challenge with 39 stops, one interception, and a team-high 11 pass break-ups. Neal played safety as a redshirt sophomore in 2015 (one start in 15 games, 40 tackles, one interception, three pass break-ups) after being a reserve defensive back the previous year (32 tackles, three pass break-ups).

 

ANALYSIS

 

Strengths

 

Has experience at safety and corner. Played near line of scrimmage and was active in run support in 2016 as a nickel. Spent his final season playing press corner for the first time during his career. Able to big-boy his level of competition off the snap. Consistently effective at landing hands into receiver's frame to slow release into route. Has mirror and match capability early in route and uses length to help maintain contact through route breaks. Plays under control. Crowds receivers down the field. Keeps watch on play development in man coverage and is quick to peel off and come support the run. Aggressive, wrap-up striker who drives feet and finishes. Shows off desired lateral range and athletic ability in run support.

 

Weaknesses

 

Has a hitch in transitioning against inside release. When beaten cleanly from press, he grabs rather than trusting his feet and technique. Instincts and anticipation are very average. Rarely gets an early jump on throws and relies on seeing it coming first. Too willing to cover grass rather than reading quarterback and making a play outside his area. Quick route specialists give him trouble. Lateral transitions are sluggish in man coverage.Sits in a blocker's sweet spot too long. Needs to get better at attacking and shedding earlier.

 

Draft Projection

 

Rounds 4-5

 

NFL Comparison

 

Eric Rowe

 

Bottom Line

 

Intriguing prospect with good size and physicality who is just learning to play cornerback. Neal has limitations in coverage but may factor as a bump and run specialist. Neal lacks the ball production and instincts of a high safety, but he has the toughness to play near the line of scrimmage and the cover talent to match up against tight ends. Neal's position fit could depend on scheme as well as how he ends up running. He has NFL traits and could become a productive backup or eventual starter.

 

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/siran-neal?id=2559809&id=2559809