RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Neiron Ball (Florida) - 2015 NFL Draft Pick #161 by OAK

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Neiron Ball - 2015 NFL Draft

Player Overview:
Neiron Ball was a linebacker from the University of Florida, known for his athleticism and versatility on the field. He had a challenging college career due to injuries but showcased significant potential when healthy.

  • Position: Linebacker
  • College: University of Florida
  • Height: 6'1"
  • Weight: 224 lbs

Strengths:

  • Speed and Agility: Ball displayed excellent speed for a linebacker, which allowed him to cover ground quickly and make plays sideline-to-sideline.
  • Pass Coverage: He showed the ability to drop into coverage and defend against tight ends and running backs, making him a valuable asset in passing situations.
  • Instincts: Ball demonstrated good football instincts, allowing him to read plays and react appropriately, which is crucial for a linebacker.

Weaknesses:

  • Injury History: Ball had a history of injuries that raised concerns about his durability at the professional level.
  • Size: At 224 lbs, he was considered undersized for an NFL linebacker, which could limit his effectiveness against bigger offensive players.
  • Consistency: There were questions about his consistency in performances, particularly during his college career when injuries impacted his playing time.

Overall Assessment:

Neiron Ball was viewed as a developmental linebacker with the potential to contribute on special teams and in certain defensive packages. His speed and coverage ability were seen as strengths that could make him an interesting prospect, but teams had to weigh his injury history and size against his talents. Many analysts projected him as a late-round pick or a priority free agent, depending on how teams valued his upside versus his medical history.