Florida Gators junior safety Keanu Neal was a force in the SEC this past season and is considered by many draft analysts to be one of the best safeties in the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft class.
The 6-foot-1, 216-pound safety made plays all over the field for the Gators' stout defense in 2015 and recorded 84 total tackles, two sacks and an interception. Neal is a physical safety, but he will need to work on his coverage at the next level and is considered the second best safety in the draft, according to Walter Football.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have changed their identity in recent seasons, becoming an offensive powerhouse with offensive coordinator Todd Haley and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, but general manager Kevin Colbert could look to bolster their defense through the 2016 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh's defense ranked 21st in the league at the end of regular season in terms of yards allowed, and a player like Neal could be a potential fit in the Steelers' defense, according to Bleacher Report's Matt Miller. It's unknown how long Neal will be available in the draft, as some think he could go late in the first round, while others project him as a second or third-round prospect.
Miller projected the Steelers to take Ohio State offensive tackle Taylor Decker with 25th pick in the draft, and it's a move that could make sense, as the Steelers' offensive line struggled to protect Roethlisberger all season. While Roethlisberger deserves some of the blame, as he is known to hold onto the ball too long, there is no question that the Steelers could look to bolster their offensive line in the draft.
Miller projects the Steelers to select Neal in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, but it's unknown if he will still be on the board by the time the Steelers select with the 89th pick. Neal can improve his draft stock with impressive numbers at the 2016 NFL Combine and will be an interest prospect to watch in the leadup to the draft.
