The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2022 NFL Draft.
A goal for Brian Gutekunst this offseason is to improve Green Bay’s special teams unit. The best way for the Packers general manager to go about doing that is selecting players on day three of the 2022 NFL Draft that have extensive special teams experience.
A player that falls under that tier is Leon O’Neal Jr. The Texas A&M safety checks in at No. 96 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.
O’Neal arrived at Texas A&M as a four-star recruit and ended up with 32 career starts under his belt. As a freshman in 2018, O’Neal played primarily on special teams and recorded 14 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one interception.
In 2019, he recorded three tackles for loss, one interception, and four pass deflections. The following season O’Neal picked off two passes, broke up five more, and recorded two tackles for loss.
This past season, the former four-star recruit recorded 58 tackles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions, including a pick-six and seven pass deflections.
“Like the Texas A&M defense as a whole, O’Neal had a rock-solid year,” Robert Behrens, the managing editor for Good Bull Hunting said. “We’ve seen him evolve in his four years on campus to a true team leader, and it was great to see the passion he has always had translate into a productive season.”
O’Neal’s greatest strength is his motor. The Texas A&M defensive back only knows one speed and that’s Mach 10. That intensity combined with his physicality makes him a potential special teams demon in the NFL.
“Leon plays hard every single down,” Behrens said. “Sometimes that intensity can get him into trouble, via over pursuit or just letting his emotions get the best of him, but his physicality is something that I believe will translate well at the next level.”
O’Neal possesses strong spatial awareness. He is quick to read and react and has a nose for the football.
As a run defender, O’Neal comes downhill in a blur. He’s an effective blitzer, where he wins with his physicality.
He can tend to play out of control when he comes downhill. He needs to come to balance and break down to make the tackle.
“O’Neal has shown great instincts in both run support and safety blitzes,” Behrens said. “He has the physicality to make the tackle once he gets there.”
In coverage, O’Neal shows exceptional range. He has the soft hands to come down with interceptions and shows good route recognition to drive passes.
“While he isn’t necessarily a ball hawk,” Behrens said. “O’Neal has shown the ability to make the big interception when the opportunity presents itself.”
O’Neal is at his best playing closer to the scrimmage as an extra linebacker. He’s a solid run defender and has the quickness and toughness to match up with tight ends in coverage.
Fit with the Packers
The Green Bay Packers need to improve on special teams and a team can never have enough depth in the secondary. As a day three selection, O’Neal would step in from day one and be a special teams contributor for the Packers.
O’Neal may never be a starting safety in the league, but he has the size (6-1, 210 pounds), quickness, and toughness to be a special teams standout.
Green Bay is a team that needs a special teams makeover this offseason, and O’Neal could be a key cog in improving that area of the team.
“Leon will absolutely kill it in the interview,” Behrens said. “He is passionate about football and about life, and it’s hard to hear him speak and not get excited. While he may never be an All-Pro safety, he has a usable skill set, especially in today’s NFL when safeties often drift into the box and act more like an additional linebacker. Wherever he goes, I think he’ll be an instant fan and teammate favorite. We will certainly miss him in Aggieland.”