Texas A&M Football: An early look at the Aggies’ top 2022 draft prospects

Texas A&M S Leon O’Neal returned to bolster his draft stock

I know what you’re thinking. It seems like this entire defense returned to help their draft stock. If you feel that way, it’s probably because that’s the truth. The Aggies are returning a lot of talent that didn’t need to come back for another year. That is a testament to the type of environment that Jimbo Fisher has created in College Station.

The next player who is returning in an effort to help his draft stock is Leon O’Neal, the Aggies’ starting safety. That said, O’Neal wouldn’t have been a shoo-in to be selected, so this was a smart choice on his end.

The safety will return for his fourth year and look to dominate in the secondary. In three years thus far, he has accumulated over 100 tackles, 7 for loss, and 4 interceptions. He was a standout player on this defense, which is why many fans thought he’d be departing for the NFL Draft.

But he didn’t.

In 2021, he’ll look to build off of a season that saw him accumulate his best numbers thus far with the team. In 2020, he made 48 tackles, two for loss, with a pair of interceptions. If he wants to raise his draft stock, he’ll have to raise the bar.

Projection: 6-7th Round