Tweet
Pack take Neal DT
nalysis
Pass rush: Once through the line, Neal has the closing speed to get into the quarterback's face. Occasionally drops into coverage on zone blitzes, looks fairly fluid. Gets jumpy on the line, guesses at the snap count too much. Needs more pass rush moves to beat veteran NFL linemen. Should get his hands into passing lanes more often when not able to reach the quarterback.
Run defense: Holds ground adequately against double teams, can split on occasion. Recovers from cut blocks quickly. Inconsistent shedding blocks against the run, but has the strength to do so. Does not hustle and chase as much as you'd like, standing around too much if the play goes away from him. Could improve his backfield awareness to prevent biting on play-action or misdirection.
Explosion: Very good quickness enough off the snap to penetrate at the three-technique, will cause guards to draw holding penalties at the next level. Has some pop on initial contact and push his defender back when man-up. Good lateral movement to sidestep into gap after the snap, although he takes himself out of plays more often than not when doing that.
Strength: One of the strongest players in the draft in terms of weightlifting numbers, but does not always play that way. When on his game, plays with leverage and capable of stacking guards and moving laterally or pushing the pocket. Inconsistent using his hands to disengage, will stand around after initial contact when gassed.
Tackling: Strong upper body allows him to swallow ballcarriers when coming on straight-on or chasing from behind. Has trouble shedding blocks at times and is inconsistent catching backs coming through the hole if he does get off. Does not get many hustle tackles getting downfield or to the outside.
Intangibles: Team captain and their defensive leader. Big weight room performer. Displayed toughness playing through a torn labrum. Loses his composure on the field at times, however, leading to unnecessary penalties.
nalysis
Pass rush: Once through the line, Neal has the closing speed to get into the quarterback's face. Occasionally drops into coverage on zone blitzes, looks fairly fluid. Gets jumpy on the line, guesses at the snap count too much. Needs more pass rush moves to beat veteran NFL linemen. Should get his hands into passing lanes more often when not able to reach the quarterback.
Run defense: Holds ground adequately against double teams, can split on occasion. Recovers from cut blocks quickly. Inconsistent shedding blocks against the run, but has the strength to do so. Does not hustle and chase as much as you'd like, standing around too much if the play goes away from him. Could improve his backfield awareness to prevent biting on play-action or misdirection.
Explosion: Very good quickness enough off the snap to penetrate at the three-technique, will cause guards to draw holding penalties at the next level. Has some pop on initial contact and push his defender back when man-up. Good lateral movement to sidestep into gap after the snap, although he takes himself out of plays more often than not when doing that.
Strength: One of the strongest players in the draft in terms of weightlifting numbers, but does not always play that way. When on his game, plays with leverage and capable of stacking guards and moving laterally or pushing the pocket. Inconsistent using his hands to disengage, will stand around after initial contact when gassed.
Tackling: Strong upper body allows him to swallow ballcarriers when coming on straight-on or chasing from behind. Has trouble shedding blocks at times and is inconsistent catching backs coming through the hole if he does get off. Does not get many hustle tackles getting downfield or to the outside.
Intangibles: Team captain and their defensive leader. Big weight room performer. Displayed toughness playing through a torn labrum. Loses his composure on the field at times, however, leading to unnecessary penalties.
Comment