After trade back, Seahawks draft Arkansas CB Julian Neal at No. 99

The Seattle Seahawks added their second defensive back of Day 2 by taking Arkansas cornerback Julian Neal.

Apr 24, 2026, 8:23 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - OCTOBER 18: Julian Neal #23 of the Arkansas Razorbacks tips a pass in the end zone in the second half that was thrown to KC Concepcion #7 of the Texas A&M Aggies at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Aggies defeated the Razorbacks 45-42. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

The Seattle Seahawks selected Arkansas cornerback Julian Neal in the third round with the 99th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday night, giving head coach Mike Macdonald a lengthy defensive back to help make up for the loss of Riq Woolen in free agency.

Seahawks 2026 NFL Draft Tracker: Keep up with picks and trades

The Seahawks moved back three spots with a trade to acquire the 99th overall pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers, also gaining a sixth-round pick at No. 216 overall for Saturday in exchange for the 96th pick.

The 6-foot-2, 203-pound Neal registered 10 passes defended, two interceptions and two tackles for loss in 12 games with Arkansas this past season. He allowed 27 receptions for 346 yards and three TDs on 48 targets while holding opposing quarterbacks to a 82.5 passer ratting, according to Pro Football Focus.

THE PICK IS IN. 💪 @J12_neal

📺: #NFLDraft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/a2GyN3OPwy

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) April 25, 2026

Neal, a San Francisco native, spent the majority of his time at Arkansas playing as an outside corner, logging 687 snaps on the outside compared to just 15 in the slot. He also excelled as a run defender, ranking 14th among FBS cornerbacks with at least 500 snaps played with an 85.9 run defense grade from PFF.

Neal spent four seasons at Fresno St. before transferring to Arkansas for his final college season. He became a starter for the Bulldogs as a redshirt junior in 2024 and had six passes defended, five tackles for loss, two interceptions and one sack in 12 contests.

At the combine, Neal led all cornerbacks with an 11-foot, 2-inch broad jump and was sixth with a 40-inch vertical jump. However, he was near the bottom of the cornerback group with a 4.49-second 40-yard dash.

Julian Neal says hello pic.twitter.com/jxrbgsYk06

— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) August 30, 2025

Here’s what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote about Neal in his scouting report:

Neal is a late-blooming, fifth-year cornerback with the size, length and strength NFL teams desire for a press corner. His technique is in need of more work before he’s game-ready. A more physical approach at press would be beneficial in controlling the release. He has average long speed but that won’t matter as much in deep-zone coverages, where his length can take over. His talent as a run defender and tackler will benefit him in short-zone coverage. Neal’s traits raise his ceiling, but fit and technical improvement will be essential for him to become a factor.

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Zac Hereth Seattle Sports

Zac Hereth is a digital content editor for Seattle Sports. A Central Washington University graduate, Zac joined the Seattle Sports team after seven years with The Everett Herald as a sports writer and editor.

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After trade back, Seahawks draft Arkansas CB Julian Neal at No. 99

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