Prospect profile: Shawnbrey McNeal, RB, SMU

Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Shawnbrey McNeal:
 

Shawnbrey McNeal
Shawnbrey McNeal

NFL position: RB

Height: 5-10
Weight: 190
40 time: 4.55
Current projection: Fourth-round pick
 
Strengths: Shows excellent instincts, cutback vision and elusiveness, especially in the open field. Has outstanding speed, quickness, lateral agility, explosiveness, acceleration and gear change. Has soft hands and runs excellent routes out of the backfield and as a slot receiver. Adjusts well to the ball in the air and runs well after the catch. Has the skills to be a quality return man.
 
Weaknesses: Has an undersized frame with limited potential to develop into an every-down NFL running back. Played in a run-and-shoot college offense with a one-back formation. Has merely above-average strength on contact. Is a marginal pass blocker due to his lack of size, strength and effort. Had only one productive season in college. Has limited experience as a return man.
 
Bottom line: McNeal was SMU’s starting running back for one year after transferring from Miami, where he had two undistinguished seasons. He is a strong third-down back prospect who ideally will serve in a "Reggie Bush" role. He deserves fourth-round consideration by a team like the Eagles, whose offense utilizes running backs in the passing game more than most teams.
 
For more than 200 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.

Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Shawnbrey McNeal:
 

Shawnbrey McNeal
Shawnbrey McNeal

NFL position: RB

Height: 5-10
Weight: 190
40 time: 4.55
Current projection: Fourth-round pick
 
Strengths: Shows excellent instincts, cutback vision and elusiveness, especially in the open field. Has outstanding speed, quickness, lateral agility, explosiveness, acceleration and gear change. Has soft hands and runs excellent routes out of the backfield and as a slot receiver. Adjusts well to the ball in the air and runs well after the catch. Has the skills to be a quality return man.
 
Weaknesses: Has an undersized frame with limited potential to develop into an every-down NFL running back. Played in a run-and-shoot college offense with a one-back formation. Has merely above-average strength on contact. Is a marginal pass blocker due to his lack of size, strength and effort. Had only one productive season in college. Has limited experience as a return man.
 
Bottom line: McNeal was SMU’s starting running back for one year after transferring from Miami, where he had two undistinguished seasons. He is a strong third-down back prospect who ideally will serve in a "Reggie Bush" role. He deserves fourth-round consideration by a team like the Eagles, whose offense utilizes running backs in the passing game more than most teams.
 
For more than 200 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.

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