Strengths: One of the elite dual-threat QB prospects in college football. Possesses explosive athleticism. Has great quickness in his drop and feet inside the pocket. Will feel the pocket collapsing around him and can get out of danger in a hurry. He has quick feet and exceptional speed. He is a huge threat to run. Buys a lot of second-chance passing opportunities. Is elusive and has very good vision and COD skills as a runner. Shows a second-gear in the open field. He is effective when throwing on the run. Seems to be at his best when creating after the initial play breaks down. He has outstanding arm strength. Can drive the ball downfield in the vertical passing game. He shows the ability to fit the ball into tight spots. Gets great zip on his deep out route. Shows the ability to throw across his body and on the run to both sides. His accuracy has improved greatly. He has cut down on his mental lapses and is doing a much better job of protecting the football. He won't force many throws into coverage. Has an exceptional TD to INT ratio. Is a tough, competitive QB and the type of player that demands respect from his teammates. A hard worker on and off the field.
Weaknesses: Lacks ideal size. Is on the shorter side and has poor bulk. He takes a lot of hits as a runner. Needs to learn to slide more often and to better protect his body. He has had some durability issues in the past and he's an injury waiting to happen. He can be too impatient as a pocket passer. Takes off and runs too early at times. He doesn't always seem to see the entire field. Has had some trouble in the past protecting the football. Lacks ideal quickness in his release. His mechanics need to be more consistent as a passer. Doesn't show enough touch as a passer. Has some trouble in terms of leading his receivers and letting them run after the catch. He also struggles to change velocity at times. He has some trouble finding passing windows and will have some passes batted down. Still has room to improve in terms of reading coverages in his drops. Needs to make quicker reads and do a more consistent job of beating the blitz with his arm, rather than almost always with his legs.
Overall: McNeal played mostly a backup role as a freshman in 2002 before emerging as a fulltime starter as a sophomore. He started 11 of the 12 games he played in 2003, completing 113-of-221 passes for 1,782 yards with 8 touchdown and 7 interceptions. As a fulltime starter in his junior season in 2004, McNeal passed for 2,791 yards and 14 touchdowns on 200-of-344 passing, while rushing for 718 yards and eight touchdowns on 151 carries. McNeal is one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation. He lacks ideal size and he still has a lot of work to do in terms of his mechanics, recognition skills and consistency as a pocket passer. He also takes a lot of hits and needs to protect his body better. However, McNeal's ability to beat you with his legs and his arm makes him tremendously difficult to defend against. He may never emerge as a solid staring quarterback in the NFL, but McNeal could develop into a playmaking backup with the potential to also contribute as a situational wide receiver, return specialist and in other areas of special teams. Regardless, McNeal has a legitimate chance to come off the 2006 draft board late on Day 1.
