Rajion Neal NFL Draft 2014: Highlights, Scouting Report and More

Rajion Neal, RB, Tennessee (HT: 5’11”, WT: 211 lbs)

NFL Comparison: Alfred Morris, RB, Washington Redskins

Positives

• Runs low with good pad level, absorbs contact well and can slip tackles.
• Generally a decisive, north-south runner.
• Finishes runs and displays some power by lowering his shoulder. Will put his nose down and grind out the tough yards between the tackles.
• Good size at roughly 5’11”, 211 pounds with adequate length.
• Decent receiver out of the backfield, appears to have fairly natural hands.
• Shows the ability to adjust to poorly thrown passes and catch the ball outside of his frame.
• Can pick and slide fairly quickly, utilizing a jump-cut to create space.
• Willing pass-protector that is not afraid to hit someone and is capable of identifying the blitz.
• Fights and twists for extra yardage, churns his legs and tends to fall forward.
• Versatile. He played wide receiver, tailback and Wildcat quarterback as a sophomore.
• Flashes a strong stiff arm in the open field.
• For a senior running back prospect, he does not have many miles on him.
• Breakout season earned him a shot to show scouts his ability at the East-West Shrine Game. Ran with more confidence as a senior.

Negatives

• Does not have breakaway speed, will have difficulty turning the corner at the next level and is not a home run hitter.
• Lacks exceptional burst, average acceleration may not cut it at the next level.
• Vision and decision-making are inconsistent. Does not always look for the hole; drops his eyes prematurely and plunges forward at times, settling for a couple yards.
• Not a very elusive runner, does not make many defenders miss in space or in the hole.
• Prone to being overpowered in pass protection, technique needs refinement as he must slide his feet and use his arms to steer defenders from harm’s way.
• Average production; his senior season marked the first time he eclipsed 200 carries or 1,000 yards.
• Not an effective runner outside the tackles. He lacks the quickness or explosiveness to exploit opponents on the edge
• Ball security is a huge concern, is very fumble-prone.
• Lacks outstanding qualities. There is not much in his game that separates him from other prospects.
• Struggled with inconsistency and a bit with injury early in his college career.
• Had the luxury of playing behind one of the nation’s biggest and most physical offensive lines.
• Was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.

Year	Team	Car	Yds	Avg	TD
2010	Tennessee	46	197	4.3	0
2011	Tennessee	27	134	5.0	2
2012	Tennessee	156	708	4.5	5
2013	Tennessee	215	1124	5.2	12

Year	Team	Rec	Yds	Avg	TD
2010	Tennessee	7	100	14.3	0
2011	Tennessee	13	269	20.7	1
2012	Tennessee	19	149	7.8	4
2013	Tennessee	27	108	4.0	0

Personal Notes

• Joined the Vols track & field team as a junior
• Missed two games due to an ankle injury 2012
• Sociology major

Ratings Chart

nces.ed.gov

Overall

After finally getting the opportunity to carry the full load for the Vols as a senior, Rajion Neal impressed with a strong season. Equipped with adequate size and power, he fits best in a zone-blocking scheme that allows him to make one cut and get upfield. He lacks speed and elusiveness, however, and does not project to be more than a backup or complementary player in the backfield. To stick on a roster at the next level, he may need to prove he is capable of contributing on special teams.

Draft Projection: 7th Round-UDFA