Julian Neal screams Chiefs cornerback based on his draft profile

One of the most underrated parts of the Chiefs' historic 2022 draft was the fact that they came out of that draft with 10 total players. That class is highly lauded, and rightfully so, even though Skyy Moore, Darian Kinnard, and Nazeeh Johnson mostly ended up as non-contributors. The Chiefs threw numbers at their roster issues back then, and they are likely to do it again.

Similarly, they also threw numbers at their secondary, which needed a major overhaul, with five total picks. Don't be surprised if the Chiefs come out of this draft with three or four defensive backs again. One of the things that's nice about the Chiefs is they definitely have a type at corner. They like long, physical press-man corners who are willing to make plays in the run game. Enter the conversation, Julian Neal.

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NFL Draft Profile: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas

1. Julian Neal's bio
2. Strengths
3. Weaknesses
4. How does Julian Neal fit with the Chiefs?

Julian Neal's bio

Age: 23 (on draft day)

Height: 6-2

Weight: 203 LBS

Hands: 9 1/2 inches

Arms: 32 3/4 inches

Tape Exposure: Texas (2025), LSU (2025), Arkansas State (2025)

Neal attended Mission High School in San Francisco, California. Rated as a 3-star prospect by 247Sports, he committed to Fresno State out of high school. Neal redshirted his freshman year and played sparingly in his sophomore season. He became a starter his junior year and continued to start into his senior year. He entered the transfer portal for his redshirt senior season as a 4-star transfer prospect and landed with Arkansas, where he finished strong with two interceptions and 10 passes defended. Neal finished his college career with 99 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions, and 18 passes defended.

Strengths

Physicality

Neal brings a thump to the cornerback position, both as a run defender who is willing to tackle and blow up screen passes. He is also physical at the line of scrimmage as a press-man corner, willing to disrupt route timing with strong hands.

Frame

At 6-2, 200+ lbs, and nearly 33-inch arms, he brings ideal size to the boundary as a corner. This helps him at the catch point and stay sticky in man coverage.

Smooth Hips

Nice transitions in and out of coverage; his hips are loose and he looks very natural transitioning from backpedal to runner.

Weaknesses

Recovery Speed

Average long speed and acceleration make him susceptible to double moves and speedy vertical receivers.

Penalties

He averaged four penalties per season as a starter and has to do a better job of getting his head around in coverage to prevent penalties down the field.

Change of Direction

He struggles in and out of breaks and can get crossed up due to some hip tightness by more shifty and sudden receivers.

How does Julian Neal fit with the Chiefs?

The connection between the Chiefs and these types of corners is strong; we had Nohl Williams in our final mock draft last year for that exact reason. Neal is cut from a similar cloth and profiles as depth on the outside if/when Kristian Fulton gets injured. The Chiefs have a need at corner and will likely throw numbers at the problem. Neal profiles as a late Day 2 or early Day 3 option to help bring stability to a position of need long term.

Neal is a long, physical boundary corner who excels in man coverage, using his length and powerful press to disrupt receivers and contest throws at the catch point. He has loose hips for his size and strong ball skills, while also contributing against the run with aggressive perimeter play and reliable tackling. However, his instincts, route recognition, and press consistency need refinement, and he can struggle to decelerate and change direction quickly at top speed.

Round Grade: Red Chip (Round 3 Grade)

Shades of: Cam Hart