Get to know Seahawks' third-round pick, Arkansas CB Julian Neal

RENTON - Cornerback Julian Neal met with the Seahawks at the NFL combine. When Neal left the meeting, he was given a message from one of the coaches in the room.

"You're going to get picked by the Seahawks," Neal recalled being told.

That message became reality when the Seahawks took Neal with the 99th overall pick in the third round of the NFL draft on Friday night.

Neal started his college career at Fresno State but played his final season at Arkansas. He fits the profile of a bigger cornerback at 6-foot-2 that the Seahawks lost when Riq Woolen signed with Philadelphia in free agency.

Neal says he is an aggressive press cornerback who wants to be physical with opposing wide receivers. Sounds like a Seahawks-type cornerback.

Here's more to know about Neal:

Drafted: Third round, 99th pick

Height: 6-2

Weight: 203 pounds

Birth date: Feb. 12, 2003

Hometown: San Francisco

Three Things to Know

* Neal ended up at Fresno State as a defensive player coming out of Mission High School, but he nearly ended up playing in the state of Washington on the other side of the ball. One of Neal's offers out of high school was to play wide receiver at Eastern Washington. Neal was an All-City selection as a wide receiver in high school. He also had an offer as a wide receiver from San Jose State.

* Neal played in 30 games between 2021-24 at Fresno State but didn't become a starter until the 2023 season. He was set to transfer to Stanford for his final college season, but changed his destination after the Cardinal fired Troy Taylor. Neal ended up choosing to go to Arkansas and concluded his collegiate career playing in the SEC.

* Neal had just four interceptions in college but had 20 pass breakups combined between his final season at Fresno State and his one season at Arkansas.

Quote to note:

"I'm the most physical corner in this draft class. I use my arms to my advantage. I use my length. I use my availability; never gotten hurt. I never missed a game in college from getting hurt. I come down, I hit some, I'm going to go up and get the ball, getting interceptions. I'm pressing dudes at the line. I'm locking dudes up at the line," Neal said.

What the scouts say:

"Neal is a late-blooming, fifth-year cornerback with the size, length and strength NFL teams desire for a press corner. His technique is in need of more work before he's game-ready. A more physical approach at press would be beneficial in controlling the release. He has average long speed but that won't matter as much in deep-zone coverages, where his length can take over. His talent as a run defender and tackler will benefit him in short-zone coverage. Neal's traits raise his ceiling, but fit and technical improvement will be essential for him to become a factor," - NFL.com

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