OT, Alabama
Height: 6’7″
Weight: 350 lbs
Class: Junior
Neal was a highly sought-after recruit in the 2019 class. The No. 1 ranked offensive tackle and the No. 7 overall player, he commanded offers from all of the blue blood programs in college football. He committed to the Crimson Tide, where he started as a true freshman at left guard. Neal transitioned to right tackle in 2020, before switching to the left side ahead of the 2021 season. He has excelled in every spot and this year he was voted a consensus All-American.
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Strengths
At 6’7″ and 350 lbs, Neal is one of the biggest and most physically imposing linemen prospects you will come across. He physically outmatches almost every opponent and displays NFL-ready play strength. His ability to consistently generate movement in the running game is a standout part of his game and he has even been able to get the better of bigger interior linemen in one-on-one situations. In pass protection he possesses an outstanding anchor and never once looked troubled by power moves.
He combines this play strength with special athletic traits. Prior to the season, Neal was ranked No. 1 on Bruce Feldman’s 2021 Freaks List. He moves like a much smaller lineman, with ideal explosiveness and depth out of his stance. His quick footwork is also impressive and all of this allows him to deal with speed rushers in pass protection far more effectively than most players of his size.
This athleticism translates to the running game too, giving him a versatile skillset. Neal’s burst makes him a real asset as a puller in gap scheme runs and he has the lateral quickness to execute all manner of zone blocks. His ability to stay low and play with leverage despite his size is also something that NFL teams will love. When he gets out in space, he has the speed to promptly get to the second level.
In addition to his physical traits, Neal also has the mental processing skills you look for in an offensive lineman. This shows up most notably in pass protection. He reads the game quickly and is adept at reacting to stunts and blitzes. He knows how and when to pass off defenders and I didn’t see him fooled once on tape. In one-on-ones, Neal also shows quick processing to recognise opponents’ pass rushing plans and neutralise them. All of this combined to make Neal one of the most accomplished pass protectors in the country. This season he allowed just 14 pressures on 553 pass rushing snaps.
Weaknesses
The biggest problem with Neal’s game at present is his issues with balance. He has a frustrating tendency to get over his toes, particularly as a run blocker. This often results in more savvy defenders using his momentum against him and getting him on the floor. Whilst this is always going to be an issue for a player of his size, he needs to show signs of improvement in order to reach his ceiling as an NFL prospect.
Neal’s issues with balance also limit his effectiveness as a second level blocker. Whilst he has the quickness to climb effectively, he has issues redirecting at speed. This is an obvious problem against moving targets and sees him regularly fall off blocks or miss them entirely.
Bottom Line
Neal is a fantastic prospect who combines rare size and play strength with natural athleticism. His ability in pass protection is amongst the very best in the class and he has the tools to dominate in the trenches. He also offers three years as a starter in Alabama, with the versatility to play at a number of different positions. Neal will be an immediate high-level starter at the next level.
Ideal role: Left tackle in a gap/power run-heavy offense
Round projection: 1st round (top ten)
