Chicago Bears: 7-round mock draft 3.0 (with trades!)
By Ryan Heckman
5. player. . CB. Jacksonville State. 57. . Siran Neal
Pick made by Patrick Sheldon @P_Shels
The NFC North is stacked with talented quarterbacks and wide receivers, and so the Chicago Bears would be wise to add some depth to the cornerback position. Siran Neal, the fiery defensive back from Jacksonville State, should be the pick here in the fifth round.
When evaluating Neal as a cornerback, it is important to keep something in mind. Neal is literally just beginning to learn how to play the cornerback position. During his freshman season at Jacksonville State, he played the cornerback position in a reserve role. The following season, the coaching staff decided to move him to safety. He picked up the new position quickly and had a very solid year. Although he only started one game, he finished with 40 tackles and one interception.
He moved yet again in his junior year to the linebacker position, and once again, quickly adapted to a completely new position. Neal returned to the cornerback position for his final season and excelled. He finished with 39 tackles, one interception and 11 passes defended.
Many analysts have fallen in love with Minkah Fitzpatrick’s ability to play multiple positions in the defensive backfield. If the Bears pass on Fitzpatrick with the eighth overall pick, they have a chance to pick up their “Swiss Army Knife” in the fifth round. However, Neal has the added benefit of having some experience at linebacker. The comparison he has drawn from at least one NFL analyst should get Bears fans excited.
I really like Jacksonville State DB Siran Neal. Can play everywhere from dime LB to outside corner to deep third. And this guy hits HARD. Could be a Kam Chancellor type.
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) March 29, 2018
Neal also packs a powerful punch for someone his size. A quick review of his film reveals countless plays where Neal absolutely demolishes the ball carrier. He is a tremendous tackler, especially in space. Don’t believe me? Just take a look at the first play in the highlight video above against LSU.
Neal is still learning the position but is someone who possesses a multitude of potential and a ton of upside. He certainly has some weaknesses in his game, but that’s expected of someone who has been moved around as much as he has.
Getting him under the tutelage of this defensive coaching staff would really benefit Neal and allow him to reach that potential. He could be another late round steal for Pace.