Chris Neild Scouting Report

Chris Neild is truly the unsung hero of West Virginia's defense. The 6-2 nose tackle rarely makes a lot of tackles (nor is he constantly in the backfield), but he is the one pushing the opposing offensive line back. The result is usually a superb front four that Neild creates and his teammates take advantage of by getting to the quarterback. It has taken a while, but over the last two years -- when Neild has been named to a variety of all-conference teams -- he has finally gotten the credit he deserves.

After redshirting in 2006 and primarily being a backup in 2007, Neild stepped into a starting role in 2008 and has not looked back. It was during his sophomore season when Neild did put up some good tackling numbers, ranking first among the defensive lineman with 47 total tackles. He also added 4.5 tackles-for-loss and 2.5 sacks. In 2009 Neild started setting up the rest of the line, especially since he was starting to get more attention from the opposing offensive linemen. He only registered 35 tackles and 2.0 tackles-for-loss, but Neild cemented his status as one of the Big East's best defensive lineman. The story has been more of the same during Neild's senior campaign. Through the regular season Neild has 31 tackles, 4.0 tackles-for-loss and 3.0 sacks.

Neild is just starting to show up on most NFL draft boards. He is a late round selection at best right now, but there is plenty of room for him to move up once teams analyze a little more tape and see him without his pads on. If Neild can have some solid workouts between now and April, do not be surprised if he keeps sneaking up the draft boards and he ends up being taken in the fourth of fifth round.