2024 Early NFL Draft Scouting Notes: Eli Neal, LB, Marshall

After establishing himself as a defensive leader over the past few seasons, Marshall LB Eli Neal looks to show NFL scouts why he is a prospect to keep an eye on for this upcoming season. Here’s a look at some of my early observations:
Strengths:
- Good instincts and flows to the ball
- Takes on blocks, frees up rushers
- Good blitzer who attacks the LOS
- Good pursuit, takes great angles to ballcarriers
- Can drop in coverage; had a pick v. Georgia Southern
- Around the ball, consistent
- Has a good motor and can stick his nose in a pile
- Broad shoulders w/developed lower body
Weaknesses:
- Struggles to see pulling blockers and will get caught out of position
- Big hitter? Tends to be a wrap-up guy
- Had a couple of missed tackles in the games viewed