Sometimes, draft picks are an open secret. Either because of rumors, countless mock drafts, intel, or just because the team tips their hand, most people can have a pretty strong idea of who's going to land where, especially in the first round.
Things get more complicated after the first 32 selections, though, especially for teams that usually keep their draft board closer to their vests. However, every now and then, some players just have a hunch and know where they're destined to be.
That may have been the case with the Seattle Seahawks' third-round pick. Arkansas cornerback Julian Neal revealed that, given an unfortunate turn of events, destiny had a funny way to let him know he was going to join the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Julian Neal was meant to play for the Seattle Seahawks
"Hey, guess what? This was the only hat I bought," Neal said. "This was, literally, the only hat I bought. Some company failed to send me all 32 hats. I had to go -- I wasn't going to buy all 32. I said, 'Auntie, go get me a Seahawks hat.' I promise you, it's crazy that happened, bro."
Neal wasn't among the five cornerbacks the Seahawks hosted for visits in the pre-draft process, but the fit is more than evident. They lost Riq Woolen in free agency, and Neal is another big-bodied, strong, physical, and uber-athletic cornerback who can bully his opposition outside.
Perhaps he knew he was a perfect fit for Mike Macdonald's secondary, or maybe he just trusted his heart and knew that he was destined to play at Lumen Field. Whatever the case, this might be the plot to a lighthearted comedy flick.
The Seahawks entered the NFL Draft with few needs and even less draft capital. As such, they were quite intentional with every selection. Neal burst onto the scene after transferring to Arkansas, logging 10 pass breakups and two picks in 12 appearances for the Razorbacks last season.
He was a bit of a late bloomer, and he's still a work in progress who needs to refine his technique to find consistent playing time in the pros. That said, the athleticism as a former basketball player jumps off the charts, and as a former wide receiver, he also has strong hands and ball-placement skills, so there's some potential to be a ball-hawk under the proper guidance.
Not many young players get an opportunity to play meaningful snaps for the defending champions, let alone after falling in the first couple of rounds. Still, given this team's lack of depth behind Josh Jobe and his potential, he might wrap up his movie-like story by becoming a starter at some point in the season.
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