Keanu Neal already embracing the Steeler way
2017 Keanu Neal probably wouldn't believe where his 2023 self ended up. The former first-round pick out of Florida was living up to his draft billing and then some with the Atlanta Falcons before injuries stunted his third and fourth season. Neal's career hasn't been the same since he went from Pro Bowl safety to […]
2017 Keanu Neal probably wouldn't believe where his 2023 self ended up. The former first-round pick out of Florida was living up to his draft billing and then some with the Atlanta Falcons before injuries stunted his third and fourth season.
Neal's career hasn't been the same since he went from Pro Bowl safety to sideline bystander for two straight years. Short stints with the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn't work out, but there's still hope for the 27-year old do-it-all defender.
All it takes is the right fit. The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be just that.
Amidst his first offseason in Pittsburgh, Neal is feeling good about how his diverse skillset can fit within the Steelers defense. But scheme is just one part of the equation. The culture of the organization is what really excites the veteran entering his eighth year.
“What they’re about here, I feel like it lines up perfectly with what I am, what I’m about and what I enjoy doing when I play the game,” Neal told Mike DeFabo of The Athletic this week. “Just being part of an organization that really loves that physicality—that bully ball—I want to be a part of that, for sure.”
Neal's tape aligns with the label physical. He's a punishing tackler with the size to take on running backs and tight ends, yet possesses the speed to survive in the open field. It's why Dan Quinn, his head coach in Atlanta and defensive coordinator in Dallas, utilized him so close to the line of scrimmage.
With the Steelers turning over a new leaf at the linebacker position, the idea of Neal taking snaps there is certainly possible.
“We’ll see. I have experience there,” Neal said. “That’s not off the table. The opportunity is there. If that’s needed, I’ll do what they need, for sure.”
Over half of Neal's 4,589 career snaps have come from inside the box, per Pro Football Focus. The Steelers would be foolish to not utilize him where he's the most comfortable, but signing a two-year deal after back-to-back one-year deals indicates Neal has found a true home for the first time since his early days in the league.
The Neal from those days will make a great fit in the Steelers' defense, and embody the Steeler way.
Featured image via Michael Longo/For USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK
