CB Julian Neal confident, Devon Witherspoon-style, as Seahawks’ 3rd-round pick

The backfills of Seahawks departures on their top-ranked, Super Bowl-champion secondary continues.

Seattle used its third-round selection in the 2026 NFL draft on Julian Neal, a tall, strong cornerback from Arkansas at 99th-overall pick, the next-to-last one of the third round.

Neal is 6 feet 1 5/8 inches tall and 203 pounds. He played three seasons at Fresno State before going to the Southeastern Conference for the 2025 season. He’s known for his physical, press coverage at the line of scrimmage — a prerequisite in Macdonald’s Seahawks defense.

“I’m the most physical corner in this draft class,” Neal declared Friday night after he got drafted, from his family home in San Francisco. “I use my arms to my advantage. I use my length. I use my durability -- never gotten hurt. I never missed a game in college from being hurt.

“I hit guys at the line. It’s box time!”

Oh, yes, the newest Seahawks cornerback will have a friend in Pro Bowl veteran Devon Witherspoon. Neal does not lack in confidence.

“I’m going to go punch on somebody,” he said of his style of playing cornerback. “I’m going to go punch somebody at the line. I’m in press. I’m going to get all up in your face.”

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - OCTOBER 18: Julian Neal #23 of the Arkansas Razorbacks tips a pass in the end zone in the second half that was thrown to KC Concepcion #7 of the Texas A&M Aggies at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Aggies defeated the Razorbacks 45-42. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)