WorldWide Rams Draft Profiles: Siran Neal, DB, Jacksonville St.

Ed “Pi Double i” Henderson

WorldWide Rams

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Who is the 6-foot-0 and 206 pounds Siran Neal?

​Neal is one very versatile defender who has played several positions at Jacksonville State. His freshman season, he played as a backup defensive back posting 32 tackles and breaking up three passes. As a sophomore he was used as a safety, starting one game, recording 40 tackles, one interception, and broke up three passes. Neal's junior season, he was converted from a defensive back to an outside linebacker. At linebacker, he had 80 tackles (11.5 for loss), one interception, and also broke up four passes. His senior, he was moved back to the defensive backfield as a starting cornerback. He had 39 tackles, one interception, and season-high of breaking up 11 passes. His junior and senior season, despite playing at two separate positions, he earned recognition and named to the First Team All Ohio Valley Conference. At the 2018 NFL Combine, Neal posted good numbers 4.46 seconds in the 40-yard run, 17 reps on the bench, 40.5-inch vertical and 122-inches in the broad jump.

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Siran Neal Highlights

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Strengths: 
A versatile defender that played linebacker, corne, rand safety in college. Has the ability to play at the line of scrimmage and contribute to run defense. Good strength when engaging and taking on blocks. Plays well under control with the ability to match up and mirror receivers in routes. Good coverage skills as a press corner, harassing receivers down the field in the man coverage. Good aggressive tackler that can come off coverage and stop the runner, a very hard hitter. Great leaping ability finishing in the top five at the 2018 NFL Combine in the vertical and broad jump. 
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Weakness:
Tends to hang around a bit longer than needed in the run game leaving himself as a target for the blocker. Bad habits when beat by grabbing receiver instead using instincts of allowing his legs to help him with his lost cushion. Read and reaction skills are average, not able to jump routes and not reading the quarterback and making a play outside his area. Has tight hips that can expose him in man coverage, especially with quick routes.

Is he a fit for the Rams?
Potentially, Neal can be a huge contributor on special teams. He raised his stock after an impressive Senior Bowl. Good speed, strong legs, and leaping ability can be used a nickel corner. Playing corner and safety, in a cover three or four coverage's, can be used as a linebacker as a robber or even blitzing from the weak side of the offense. Because of his physical and aggressiveness, then the better fit will be at safety as a backup.

Draft Prediction
4th - 6th Round
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NFL Comparison
​Eric Rowe - New England Patriots
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