Julian Neal

NFL Draft Profile: Julian Neal

Position: Cornerback | School: Arkansas (via Fresno State) | Class: Senior (RS)

Height: 6'2" | Weight: 208 lbs | Archetype: Man

College Career Summary

Julian Neal is a physically imposing, late-blooming defensive back who took the long road to NFL consideration. After four years at Fresno State, where he oscillated between safety and cornerback, Neal briefly committed to Stanford before ultimately landing at Arkansas for his final season.

In 2025, Neal finally put it all together in the SEC. Standing at a prototypical 6'2" and over 200 lbs, he utilized his safety background to bring a "punishing" physicality to the boundary. He started all 12 games for the Razorbacks, recording a career-high 55 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions. His performance against Arkansas State (11 tackles, 1 INT, 2 PD) was one of the most statistically dominant games by an SEC corner in years. He enters the draft as a high-floor prospect who offers rare size and the versatility to play multiple roles in a secondary.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 42 (12 in 2025)

• Total Tackles: 143 (55 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 10.5 (2.0 in 2025)

• Sacks: 2.0

• Interceptions: 6 (2 in 2025)

• Pass Breakups (PD): 23 (10 in 2025)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Alabama A&M	4 Tkl	B	Controlled the boundary; limited yards after catch.
vs. Ark. State	11 Tkl, 1 INT, 2 PD	A+	Star Impact. First Razorback with 11/1/2 stats since 1997.
@ Ole Miss	6 Tkl, 2 PD	A	High Motor. Stood tall against an elite aerial attack.
@ Memphis	2 Tkl, 1 INT, 1 TFL	A-	IQ. Baited the QB into a crucial red-zone pick.
vs. Notre Dame	8 Tkl, 1 PD	B+	Stamina. High-volume tackler against a physical run game.
@ Tennessee	4 Tkl	B	Solid coverage; limited explosive plays downfield.
vs. Texas A&M	5 Tkl, 1 PD	B+	Physical at the line; erased the quick-game slant.
vs. Auburn	6 Tkl, 1 PD	B+	Mental Toughness. Played through a tough team loss.
vs. Miss. State	4 Tkl, 0.5 TFL, 1 PD	B	Active in run support; consistently shed blocks.
@ LSU	2 Tkl, 1 PD	B	Shadowed top targets; zero deep balls allowed.
@ Texas	1 Tkl, 1 PD	B-	Worst Game. Targeted in the slot; struggled with twitch.
vs. Missouri	3 Tkl	B	Solid finale; veteran leadership on display.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Prototypical Size: You can't coach 6'2", 208 lbs. He looks like a modern NFL corner designed to stop the league's "Power Forward" receivers.

• Safety Versatility: His background as a safety is evident in his Tackling. He is a "hit-stick" defender who misses very few tackles in the open field.

• Press Prowess: He excels in Press-man, using his long arms to re-route receivers and disrupt their timing immediately at the line.

• Ball Skills: Shows excellent tracking ability; he doesn't just play the receiver, he plays the ball at its highest point.

Weaknesses

• Long Speed: While fast for his size, he may struggle with the 4.3 vertical threats in the NFL. He is a "build-up" runner rather than a pure burner.

• Short-Area Quickness: His transitions can be slightly "leggy" due to his height. Twitchy slot receivers can create separation on whip or choice routes.

• Aggression Penalties: He is a high-physicality player who can sometimes be "grabby" at the top of the route stem, leading to pass interference concerns.

Scheme Fit: Ideal Boundary Corner in a Press-Man or Cover 3 system (e.g., Seahawks, Jets, or Colts).

NFL Comparison: Rasul Douglas (Bills)

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 19/20 | Physical Tools: 18/20 | Attributes: 17/20 | Athleticism: 16/20 | IQ: 18/20

Final Grade: 88/100

Julian Neal is a high-floor prospect who projects as a Day 1 starter on special teams and a high-end rotational boundary corner. His 2025 film at Arkansas proves he can handle the rigors of the SEC. While he lacks the "elite" twitch to be a top-10 pick, his size and tackling ability are rare. If a team feels he can't survive at corner, his transition back to safety would be seamless, making him a safe "two-for-one" value pick.

Draft Projection: 3rd Round