Unpacking Future Packers: No. 2 Arkansas CB Julian Neal

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Apr 23, 2026 - 02:00
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Unpacking Future Packers: No. 2 Arkansas CB Julian Neal

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2026 NFL draft.

Even with the addition of Benjamin St. Juste in free agency, the Green Packers need an infusion of talent at the cornerback position.

Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine are both entering contract years, and as it stands right now, neither one of them will likely be in Green Bay beyond this season. It's a position of need both in the short-term and in the long-term.

"That's probably the group that, from a numbers perspective, where we're gonna need to add the most numbers," Brian Gutekunst said during a press conference at Lambeau Field on Tuesday.

As the Packers look to add numbers to that room, a potential target in the 2026 NFL Draft is Julian Neal. The Arkansas cornerback checks in at No. 2 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

A three-star recruit from the San Francisco area, Neal started his college career at Fresno State. Neal enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, recording five tackles for loss, one sack, eight pass deflections and two interceptions.

Neal transferred to Arkansas for the 2025 season and recorded 55 tackles, two tackles for loss, 12 pass deflections and two interceptions.

"Neal was a bright spot on a really bad secondary," Jackson Fuller, a University of Arkansas sports reporter for the Times Record, said. "Opposing teams often looked the other way when attacking Arkansas through the air. They had success, but it was often picking on the other cornerback or a safety in coverage. On a down year for the defense, Neal's consistency stood out."

At 6-1, with nearly 33-inch arms, Neal has the size that NFL teams are looking for in boundary cornerbacks. He's quick-footed and has good short-area quickness. He smoothly opens his gait to stay attached on vertical routes. He clocked a 4.49 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine and posted a 40-inch vertical.

His length gives quarterbacks a small window to throw into, and he does a good job of poking the ball out when it arrives. It's almost as if he has a sixth sense when the ball enters his zip code and does a good job of getting physical at the catch point. As a former high school wide receiver, he does a good job of playing the ball when it arrives. The Fresno State transfer shows good closing burst on underneath routes.

"He's physical and long, two traits that always translate to the NFL," Fuller said. "His 6-foot-2 frame is complemented by long arms that can be disruptive in throwing windows. He also has some versatility and I believe he could play in the slot, if needed, but he's best suited on the boundary."

The Arkansas cornerback is a willing participant in run support. He’s quick to trigger downhill and has a high batting average as a tackler. Neal was dinged for just three missed tackles all season and recorded 11 stops.

"The physicality of Neal's game shows up when defending the run," Fuller said. "He is a solid tackler and isn't afraid of making plays in the backfield."

Fit with the Packers

Length, physicality, and the ability to disrupt at the catch point are all things Neal brings to the table. With his near 33-inch arms and his background as a receiver, his budding ball skills are something the Packers need in their cornerback room.

With uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of Nixon and Valentine, Neal could sit for a year and become a fixture in Green Bay's secondary during his second year in the league.

"I'd draft Neal based on his high floor and the potential for him to be a consistent No. 2 CB in the NFL," Fuller said. "His top speed will likely prevent Neal from being a No. 1 CB on an elite defense, but he can be a multi-year starter."

Neal fits both in the short-term need and the long-term vision. It would not be shocking to see the Packers take the Arkansas cornerback with the 84th overall pick.

He brings the size and toughness to stabilize a position group that could see turnover following the upcoming season. Neal checks a lot of boxes and could be a natural fit in Green Bay's cornerback room.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Unpacking Future Packers: No. 2 Arkansas CB Julian Neal

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