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2016 NFL Draft Profile: Keanu Neal, S Florida

By Adam Carlson

Sep 20, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (27) pushes away Florida Gators defensive back Keanu Neal (42) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (27) pushes away Florida Gators defensive back Keanu Neal (42) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Florida safety Keanu Neal should be a day 2 selection at the 2016 NFL Draft, but how high should he be on the Minnesota Vikings draft board?

With experience at both safety positions, NFL teams could find themselves very interested in Florida safety Keanu Neal. His blend of athleticism mixed with power is very appealing to teams who might not be sure as to which spot to play, but might also be concerned that he isn’t a top talent at either spot.

As for the positives, this kid can leap out of the building. He makes up for height mismatches by using his crazy jumping ability and keeping up with faster pass catchers with his lightning-fast acceleration. Neal is an aggressive player who is always looking to make a big hit or force the ball out. He also rarely misses any game time because of minor injuries, showing physical toughness.

Related Story: 2016 NFL Draft Profile: Mackensie Alexander, CB Clemson

On the other hand, there are some major issues that need to be addressed. Keanu Neal needs to be more technically sound on tackles and wrap up instead of just trying to knock ball carriers down. He also needs to be more disciplined in coverage and when taking angles, as he can run himself out of plays at times with wasted motions.

Here are Florida safety Keanu Neal’s numbers from the events at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine according to NFL.com:

Feb 29, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Keanu Neal jumps up to stretch before running the 40 yard dash during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 29, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Keanu Neal jumps up to stretch before running the 40 yard dash during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Height: 6’0″

  • Weight: 211 pounds
  • Arm Length: 32 3/4″
  • Hand Size: 10 5/8″
  • 40 Yard Dash: 4.62 seconds
  • Bench Press: 17 reps
  • Vertical Jump: 38″
  • Broad Jump: 132″
  • 3 Cone Drill: 7.09 seconds
  • 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.38 seconds
  • 60 Yard Shuttle: 11.58 seconds

    • Keanu Neal compares to:

    • CBS Sports: N/A
    • NFL.com: Kenny Vaccaro, Saints

    Fit for the Minnesota Vikings:

    Minnesota will be looking for long-term answers at safety to play beside Harrison Smith. With the signing of Michael Griffin and the return of last year’s starter Andrew Sendejo, there may not be a need to thrust an early draft pick into the starting lineup, allowing them to give time for a guy like Keanu Neal to learn and develop as a player.

    Next: 5 WR options for the Vikings in the 2016 NFL Draft

    My Take:

    Right now, Keanu Neal is a special teams guy that needs work to be an NFL safety. However, a team with a solid coaching staff could take care of Neal’s issues and possibly turn him into a good, if not great, defensive back. He might not be the answer immediately at safety, but the Minnesota Vikings are likely intrigued by his versatility as well as physical abilities. I wouldn’t rule out Neal being the second round selection of the team at the 2016 NFL Draft.

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