Falcons pass on Keanu Neal, take Pro Bowl DT in PFF's 2016 NFL redraft
The Atlanta Falcons' 2016 season is one that fans will never forget, from the incredible highs of Matt Ryan's MVP campaign, to the painful loss against the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. It all started when the Falcons drafted safety Keanu Neal in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft.
Neal, a standout out at Florida, initially looked like he would be a star in Atlanta's secondary for years to come. After a promising rookie season -- 106 combined tackles, eight passes defended and five forced fumbles -- Neal played even better in 2017 and made the NFC Pro Bowl team.
Unfortunately, Neal went on to suffer serious injuries in 2018 and 2019, drastically altering what could have been a great NFL career. He officially retired from the league in February. If given the chance for a do-over in the 2016 NFL draft, would the Falcons still take Neal?
Atlanta went in a different direction in Pro Football Focus' 2016 NFL redraft, passing on Neal for defensive lineman Javon Hargrave. The two-time Pro Bowler was a consistent force of interior pressure and could have formed a dynamic duo with former Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett.
Falcons take DL Javon Hargrave in PFF's 2016 NFL redraft:
Hargrave was a solid player across four years in Pittsburgh, but he developed into one of the league's elite pass rushers during his time in Philadelphia and San Francisco. From 2020 to 2023, his 92.4 PFF pass-rush grade, 12.9% pressure rate and 15.9% pass-rush win rate all ranked third in the NFL — behind future Hall of Famers Aaron Donald and Chris Jones. -- Max Chadwick, Dalton Wasserman and Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus
Other current/former Falcons players in PFF redraft
There were a few other current and former Falcons players selected in PFF's 2016 redraft, including defensive tackle David Onyemata, outside linebacker Matthew Judon and safety Justin Simmons. Both Judon and Simmons spent the 2024 season in Atlanta and are among the top defensive free agents still available.
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