Vols RB Rajion Neal; NFL Draft Scout’s Perspective

Oct 26, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Rajion Neal (20) rushes against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Tennessee Volunteers’ offensive line and defensive players like AJ Johnson and Dan McCullers have received most of the attention as far as Vol players that could possibly be drafted.

A player that’s been an after-thought as far as draftable players go, is Vols senior running back Rajion Neal.

Neal has quietly had a very solid season. He’s approaching 1,000 yards on the season (he has 990), while sharing carries with Marlin Lane. Neal has averaged 5.1 yards a carry this season, which is the best average of his career.

On top of the yardage numbers, Neal has had a nose for the end zone this season. In Neal’s previous three seasons at Tennessee he scored seven total touchdowns. This season alone he’s scored 11 touchdowns.

I recently caught up with Dane Brugler, an NFL draft scout with CBSSports.com, to discuss Neal’s NFL draft prospects.

See what he had to say about Neal and other Tennessee players.

What sticks out the most to you when watching Rajion Neal?

Neal is a balanced athlete with flexible body control and shifty feet to sidestep defenders. He lowers his pads and looks to initiate contact. Shows strong cuts, but needs to be more decisive at the line of scrimmage, which creates concern about his vision. Good hands and focus as a pass catcher. Fumbles have been an issue and ball security is a concern.

Neal has a tendency to be more of east/west runner. Have you seen improvements in that aspect of his game?

Neal’s vision can be an issue and if the hole isn’t there immediately, he has the bad habit of trying to go lateral and get outside. But often this ends up in a loss or minimal game. However, he has done a better job attacking the line of scrimmage as the season has worn on, lowering his pads and making himself small to get what he can.

What kind of offense would best suit him in the NFL?

If he can continue to improve his decisiveness at the line of scrimmage, Neal could be an effective zone blocking scheme runner. But that’s a big “if”.

What draft grade would you give to Neal?

Neal had an UDFA (undrafted free agent) grade entering the season, but now he has a shot to be drafted late. My draft grade on Neal will be determined after I get a chance to interview him in person and talk to him about his game. We’ll see if he gets a Combine invite.

What other players on Tennessee’s roster stick out to you as draftable players?

All five of the offensive linemen will get a shot. Richardson might be the most talented, but he hasn’t shown the improvement from last year to now that I and many expected. James is a solid tackle, but he’s more of a mid-rounder for me, although I know several others who like him higher. NT McCullers has shown improved ball awareness, but he just doesn’t have the range to be consistently effective. He’s a space eater who can take on multiple blockers. AJ Johnson is a talented tackler who plays with a chip on his shoulder, he’ll have a tough decision to make once the season is over, just like Richardson.