Safety Ryan Neal is new For the Bucks this season, However, the experience soon earned him the respect of his teammates. Given his background, he draws particular attention to the safety equipment in his room.
Neil is in his 6th year with the company. NFL. He entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2018, signed with the Eagles, and remained with the Falcons that year. He then spent 2019-2022 with the Seahawks before landing in Tampa Bay this season.
All of the Bucks’ safety players entered the league as undrafted free agents, with the exception of Antoine Winfield Jr. Nolan Turner was undrafted last year and this season, while Chris Izien, Kayvon Merriweather and Kedric Whitehead were all undrafted free agents in their bid for a spot on the roster. So when Neil speaks, his words are more important, and even more poignant when he speaks to players who are about to walk in the same shoes as him.
Ryan Neal gives a helping hand to UDFA
Ryan Neal has taken undrafted free agent safety under his umbrella. He has been very open in offering guidance whenever they asked for guidance in meetings or practices.
“Of course I said it from day one, I’m one of you,” said Neil. “I’m not a freak, I wasn’t drafted, I had to get myself out of the mud like you. I’ve been talking to them and they yelled at me if they need anything I know what this journey is like I’m making the right decisions in this league I can give you tips on how to get down and make sure you continue to perform well.I keep that in mind when I get undrafted players.They hold a special place for me.”
Neil then gave a scouting report on Chris Izien and the group he practiced with every day during OTAs and minicamps.
Bucks S Chris Aijien – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
“He’s a great kid,” said Neil. “Like everyone else, he’s plural. I can tell he’s probably strong because he’s short and stocky. He’s really fast, has great hips and great legs. I’m I love what he does and he has the blitz package too which means he did a spin move with a running back the other day I don’t think he has that in his bag he has a good bag I have and I like him.”
Kavon Merriweather and Kedric Whitehead came next, each receiving thoughtful tributes.
“I love his[Meriweather]match. I love Merryweather and Whitehead and I think all the safety equipment in the room is pretty good,” said Neil. “They can all play ball. Excellent I don’t know if you’ve heard him but 25 is the loudest guy on the field when he’s around he speaks very well Izzy has multiple positions We had a special small group in the undrafted class.”
Ryan Neal on his thoughts on playing on Bucks defense
![Bucks S Ryan Neal](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Neal-Ryan-Bucs-OTA-turn-run-300x200.jpg)
Bucks S. Ryan Neal – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
Ryan Neal is a newcomer to the Bucks, so he needs to see every nook and cranny of Todd Bowles’ defense, and that can get complicated. The Bucks head coach has a reputation for great defensive mentality, using exotic blitzes and all-around looks to take down opponents.
Neil shared his feelings about what play after play was like.
“He’ll do anything,” said Neil. “There’s not just one thing that can pin him down. In my sixth year in the league, I’m part of the defense, the team has done one thing, but he’s so multi-faceted. It’s a challenge for the players because they have to learn, but the offense in this league is so smart that that alone gives them a huge advantage. That’s his reputation, that’s what he’s good at, and that’s what I love most about him.”
‘Aggressive’ is a word that is constantly brought up when it comes to Bowles’ defense. Neal was asked if he’d ever played a defense with so many people flying around on the field. He has a lot of respect for other groups he’s played with, but this unit’s aggression is exceptional.
“Yes, but this is much more aggressive than before,” said Neil. “I come from a system where we do blitz sometimes, but this is a system where we do it and live it and everybody does it. That’s the great thing. You have to know who’s going and who’s not.Is it you or is it someone else?It’s pretty cool because they’re all in attack mode.Some defenses play it safe You can’t play it safe in this league.As I said before, the criminals are smart and they will tear you apart and tear you apart.But this defense is aggressive and you don’t know where it’s coming from.”