‘Meant To Be’: Destiny Brings Julian Neal, Seahawks’ Dark Side Defense Together

The main story of the Seattle Seahawks’ offseason, at least since the confetti got swept up from the Super Bowl parade down Fourth Avenue, has been the names that have left the building to wear different colors. Ken Walker III, Coby Bryant, Boye Mafe, and Riq Woolen all bolted in free agency as part of the typical post-Lombardi Trophy exodus.

While Woolen was not a perfect cornerback or technician, you just don’t see size and length like that very often at the position. So, while he was frustrating at times with penalties and missed tackles, it’s a little nervy to let that kind of pure athleticism and physical gifts leave the team as Seattle did allowing him to sign with Philadelphia.

But if there was a player in the 2026 NFL Draft that could properly replace Woolen as the token long-armed corner that looks like he’s from the same lab where they made Captain America, it’s Arkansas cornerback Julian Neal.