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Atlanta Falcons 2016 Draft: Keanu Neal adds physicality to defense

By Freddie Boston

Sep 26, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Keanu Neal (42) tackles Tennessee Volunteers tight end Ethan Wolf (82) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 28-27. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Keanu Neal (42) tackles Tennessee Volunteers tight end Ethan Wolf (82) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 28-27. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn wants more physicality on defense, and he’s got just that with first-round draft choice safety Keanu Neal.

Dan Quinn understands what it takes to build a dominant defense, and he’s attempting to create one brick by brick in Atlanta. Safety can be ticked off the list of needs on defense with the selection of Keanu Neal out of Florida.

Neal is a violent hitter who can give the defense a jolt of attitude and physicality. What makes him so intriguing as a prospect is his versatility: Neal has drawn comparisons to the Arizona Cardinals’ Deone Bucannon and for good reason. He is excellent in run defense and can play in the box for the Falcons. With William Moore gone, an upgrade was necessary.

Neal can be used as a moveable chess piece. He can line up in the box, but might also spend some time at inside linebacker. Neal is a physical tool Quinn can have some fun with, although it won’t be quite so fun for opposing pass catchers.

Our very own Eric Robinson wrote in February that Neal could add the physicality to Quinn’s ‘fast and physical’ mantra:

"“There is no sugarcoating when it comes to Neal and his skill set. He is a heat seeking missile with cruel intentions on the field but a quiet, humble individual off it. In a class full of talented, versatile safeties, Neal can provide a physical nature to a defense that is slowly being built by coach Dan Quinn and his defensive coaching staff.”"

Watching Neal on tape, you’ll notice he’s all over the place. When receivers catch the football near him, you can forget about yards after the catch.

Neal has drawn comparisons to Kam Chancellor, which Quinn will be pleased to hear. You don’t have to worry about the defense being ‘soft’, because Neal is one of the toughest in the class.

Next: Twitter reacts to Keanu Neal selection

Neal is going to be fun to watch. What are your thoughts on the pick?

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