Grading the Julian Neal pick by the Seahawks at No. 99 overall

The second day of the 2026 NFL draft is officially concluded. Three rounds down, four to go. For the Seattle Seahawks, their actions through these first few rounds can be described directly as needs fulfillment. Seattle needed to replace Kenneth Walker III, so they drafted Jadarian Price. Seattle needed to find the next Coby Bryant, so they got Bud Clark. Finally, Seattle had to figure out how to fill the void left by the departed Riq Woolen. You can guess where I'm going with this... the Seahawks picked a cornerback from Arkansas by the name of Julian Neal.

Once again, the Seahawks Wire team is coming to you with our grades for the Julian Neal pick, as we did for both Jadarian Price and Bud Clark.

Kole Musgrove - Seahawks Wire Managing Editor: B+

• Julian Neal was the 121st ranked prospect in Mel Kiper's rankings, so the Seahawks did reach a tad. However, they simply had to do so. Seattle does not have a fourth or fifth round pick, and won't be selecting again until the sixth. Neal was also graded as a fourth or fifth round talent, but picking him at No. 99 (end of the third) is practically a fourth rounder ever. The Seahawks found themselves another lengthy cornerback who can help out in run defense and is game-ready for Week 1. To me, that is a great pick.

Justin Melo - Seahawks Wire Contributor: B

• Julian Neal is a physical and big cornerback. He's long enough to play with physicality. Head coach Mike Macdonald will appreciate his play, demeanor, and approach. He'll add quality depth to the cornerback room.

Dom Skene - Seahawks Wire Contributor: B+

• Neal is an ideal understudy for Josh Jobe. He's no stranger to competition, starting his career at the FCS level and working his way up to the SEC. He has a high enough floor to come in and play as a third corner right away, but room for improvement to start the last two years of his rookie deal once Jobe's current contract expires The trade back to acquire an extra Day 3 pick and still get their guy earns this "B+" regardless of being a "reach" on some big boards.

Randy Elkins - Seahawks Wire Guest Draft Specialist: A

• Another rock solid get for the Seahawks! Neal is a little raw in his technique, but great size and physicality make up for it. Solid run defender should help in the Seattle scheme. They needed a corner and they got one. I had Neal mocked to Seattle in the second round, so I like the value at No. 99 and respectfully disagree with Kole on this!

Hayden Brown - Seahawks Wire Guest Draft Specialist: B+

• We got a Coby replacement, and now we got the Riq replacement. Interestingly, I think this signals the Hawks will for sure be targeting EDGE in veteran/post training camp cut free agency. The Seahawks lost a safety/nickel, a corner, a running back, and an EDGE in free agency, and they just drafted three of those four needs, with the fourth likely being signed afterwards. Awesome roster maintenance!

This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: 2026 NFL draft: grading the Seahawks' pick of Julian Neal at No. 99