Carmelo O’Neal, CB, Alabama: 2027 NFL Draft Prospect Profile & Scouting Report

1. General Information

2. Career Statistical Breakdown

Defensive Production

3. NFL Combine Testing Projections

Projected baseline physical metrics for the 2027 NFL Draft cycle based on his rare frame for a defensive back and collegiate movement profile.

• 40-Yard Dash: 4.48 – 4.58 seconds
• Vertical Jump: 34.0″ – 36.0″
• Broad Jump: 10’2″ – 10’6″
• 10-Yard Split: 1.55 – 1.62 seconds
• Bench Press: 14 – 18 repetitions

4. Scouting Notes

Background Profile

Carmelo O’Neal is a rare physical specimen at the cornerback position, possessing elite height and length. A product of Westlake High School in Atlanta, Georgia, O’Neal began his collegiate career at Mercer. He developed into a disruptive force in the secondary, playing in 23 games across two seasons and logging 12 total pass breakups. Ranked as a top-120 defensive back in the transfer portal by On3, he made the significant jump to the Power Four level by enrolling at Alabama in early 2026.

Key Strengths

• Size & Length: At 6’4″ and 209 pounds, O’Neal offers a massive wingspan and catch radius. His frame makes him a nightmare at the catch point for wide receivers and provides defensive coordinators with a unique weapon against large “X” receivers.
• Ball Disruption: Proved his ability to make plays on the ball at Mercer, consistently disrupting passing lanes and recording double-digit pass breakups during his sophomore campaign in 2025.
• Positional Versatility: While projecting primarily as a boundary cornerback due to his rare length, his size and tackling ability offer the flexibility to comfortably slide into a safety or hybrid defensive back role depending on schematic needs.
• Physical Tackler: Demonstrated a willingness to engage in the run game, racking up 54 tackles in his two seasons at the FCS level.

Developmental Focus

As O’Neal makes the leap from the Southern Conference to the SEC, his primary developmental focus will be proving he possesses the lateral agility and fluid hip transition required to mirror elite SEC wide receivers. Evaluators will closely monitor his ability to stay low in his backpedal and avoid getting “leggy” or upright through the top of the route—a common mechanical challenge for defensive backs over 6’2″. Earning consistent snaps and maintaining his production at Alabama will be crucial for validating his 2027 draft projection.

Draft Countdown Film Notes

Brian Bosarge:

pending

All-Star Game Notes

pending

Combine/Pro Day Measurables

pending