5 breakout stars to watch for Dallas Cowboys in 2021
S. Keanu Neal. 4. 123. Pick Analysis. Dallas Cowboys. player. Scouting Report
Keanu Neal is not an unknown player. You may even argue his ability to “breakout” is somewhat faulty. During his second season in the NFL at age 22, he was named to the Pro Bowl. He played well as a rookie in 2016 too.
What has slowed Neal’s rise to becoming one of the best young safeties in the NFL has been injuries. Over two seasons from 2018 to 2019, he played in just four total games. He recovered strongly last year with15 games played.
Neal found himself on the market, and the interest around the more hybrid safety/linebacker was tough to gauge. Teams with the scheme fit were interested. He ultimately chose Dallas and a chance to play for Dan Quinn again. Quinn, the former Atlanta Falcons head coach, is now the defensive coordinator in Dallas.
In this defense, the team has been searching for a safety like Neal. Many wondered if Jones would pull the trigger for Jamal Adams, draft a player like Xavier McKinney, or sign Earl Thomas. The answer to all three of those options was no, and Jones may have played his hand well in this scenario.
Waiting for Neal has a ton of upside. He knows the system, he is still young (25), and he has been a Pro Bowler in the past. More importantly, he joins a rather talented defense, and he will be able to make all types of plays for this team in 2021.
Will Neal be as good as Adams? Maybe not, but the possibility of having a similar impact is there with his skill set. With health, a new team, and some buzz, Neal could very well be one of the best safeties in the NFL in 2021 and someone who helps the Cowboys mightily.