Cornerback will be a premium need for the Green Bay Packers this offseason. It was the defense’s most obvious weakness heading into 2025, and Green Bay can’t afford to neglect the position for a second straight offseason.

The Packers won’t have the same level of financial flexibility in free agency this offseason that they’ve had in recent years. Given Green Bay’s long-standing draft-and-develop approach at cornerback, it’s unlikely the team will overspend in the veteran market. As a result, the draft becomes the primary avenue, with intriguing options available on all three days.

Within that framework, Arkansas cornerback Julian Neal might be one of the most natural schematic fits for Jonathan Gannon’s defense.

At 6’2”, 208 lbs., he comfortably clears the 190 lb. baseline the Packers have typically preferred at the position under Brian Gutekunst. That size shows up in press coverage, where Neal consistently disrupts releases and plays with physicality at the line of scrimmage. He pairs that strength with disciplined eyes in man coverage, staying keyed on the receivers’ hips rather than chasing routes. Neal also recorded only one missed tackle during the 2025 season.

Julian Neal (Arkansas) shined in coverage today. Really great rep here on the jump ball to force the incompletion. pic.twitter.com/r2iawpbIra

— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) January 30, 2026

Neal’s ball skills show up consistently at the catch point. He has recorded 15 pass breakups and four interceptions over the past two seasons. He’s comfortable playing through the hands of receivers and finishing plays when the ball is in the air. Neal was also invited to the Senior Bowl, an event the Packers have historically treated as a key evaluation setting. Green Bay has a strong track record of closely monitoring – and ultimately drafting – players who participate in the game, which only strengthens Neal’s case as a realistic target.

Julian Neal has the size that NFL teams are looking for and has hips that would make Ricky Martin jealous.

Good reactionary quickness. Potential Packers target on Day 2. https://t.co/TddDh8xPXR pic.twitter.com/SvAdZtaeVt

— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen_Rupp) December 11, 2025

The former Fresno State defensive back logged 675 defensive snaps across three seasons with the Bulldogs before transferring to Arkansas, where he played 771 total snaps. His deployment is telling: 687 of those snaps came on the outside, compared to just 15 in the slot.

While Green Bay typically values versatility across the secondary, they already have two slot options in Keisean Nixon and Nate Hobbs. What the Packers need most are cornerbacks who can hold up on the perimeter, and Neal’s track record as a boundary defender directly addresses that need.

Still, one of Neal’s potential drawbacks is his limited special teams profile. He logged just 12 special teams snaps during his final season at Arkansas, and Green Bay has historically favored prospects who can contribute across multiple phases of the game.

Neal also checks important boxes from an availability and character standpoint. He has no recent injury history, and there have been no reported off-field concerns. He’s 88th on the consensus big board.

With the Packers holding the 84th pick, that places Neal squarely within a realistic third-round range. However, given the premium nature of the cornerback position – and Green Bay’s limited draft capital – there’s a case that waiting may not be an option, potentially forcing the Packers to act earlier than expected to secure him.

Green Bay could ultimately come away with multiple defensive backs in this year’s draft. The position may even be in play with its first selection at No. 52 overall, depending on how the board unfolds. Even so, Neal is an intriguing late Day 2 option – one who could add immediate depth and potentially provide long-term stability on the perimeter.