The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2022 NFL Draft.

One goal for Brian Gutekunst this offseason is to improve Green Bay’s special teams unit. The best way for the Packers general manager to do this is to select players on Day 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft who have extensive special teams experience.

A player who falls below this level is Leon O’Neal Jr. Texas A&M security checks in at No. 96 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.

O’Neal arrived at Texas A&M as a four-star recruit and found himself with 32 career starts under his belt. As a freshman in 2018, O’Neal played mostly on special teams and recorded 14 tackles, two tackles for loss and one interception.

In 2019, he recorded three tackles for loss, one interception and four pass deflections. The following season, O’Neal had two passes, broke five more, and recorded two tackles for loss.

Last season, the former four-star rookie recorded 58 tackles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions, including a six pick and seven pass deflections.

“Like the Texas A&M defense as a whole, O’Neal has had a rock-solid year,” said Robert Behrens, editor of Good Bull Hunting. “We’ve seen him evolve over his four years on campus into a true team leader, and it’s been great to see the passion he’s always had translate into a productive season.”

O’Neal’s greatest strength is his engine. The Texas A&M defensive back only knows one speed and that’s Mach 10. That intensity combined with his physicality makes him a potential NFL special teams demon.

“Leon is playing hard every try,” Behrens said. “Sometimes that intensity can get him in trouble, via excessive chasing or just letting his emotions get the better of him, but his physique is something that I think will translate well to the next level.”

O’Neal has a strong spatial awareness. He is quick to read and react and has a flair for football.

As a run defender, O’Neal goes down in a flash. He is an effective blitzer, where he wins with his physique.

He may tend to lose control when descending. He needs to balance and break down to make the tackle.

“O’Neal showed great instincts in both running support and safety blitzes,” Behrens said. “He has the physicality to make the tackle once he gets there.”

On the cover, O’Neal shows exceptional reach. He has soft hands to make interceptions and shows good route recognition to drive passes.

“Although he’s not necessarily a ball hawk,” Behrens said. “O’Neal has shown the ability to make big interceptions when the opportunity arises.”

O’Neal is at his best playing closer to the scrimmage as an extra linebacker. He’s a solid run defender and has the speed and toughness to adapt to tight ends in coverage.

Fit with the Packers

The Green Bay Packers need to improve on special teams and a team can never have enough depth in the secondary. As a third-day selection, O’Neal would step in from day one and be a special teams contributor for the Packers.

O’Neal may never be a starting safety in the league, but he has the size (6-1, 210 pounds), quickness and toughness to stand out on special teams.

Green Bay is a team that needs a special teams overhaul this offseason, and O’Neal could be a key cog in improving that area of ​​the team.

“Leon is absolutely going to kill it in the interview,” Behrens said. “He’s passionate about football and life, and it’s hard to hear him speak and not get upset. While he may never be an All-Pro safety, he has a skill set usable, especially in today’s NFL, where safeties often drift into the box and act more like an extra linebacker Wherever he goes, I think he’ll be an instant favorite with fans and teammates He will certainly be missed in Aggieland.