Leon O'Neal enters NFL with massive chip on his shoulder, added motivation

Former Texas A&M safety Leon O’Neal admitted that his status as an undrafted free agent will be something he carries with him to the NFL level. O’Neal was projected as a Day 3 prospect ahead of the draft, but did not hear his name called when the day came. After signing as an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers, O’Neal spoke about how it felt to not hear his name called on stage.

Leon O’Neal on being undrafted by NFL

“I will never, ever forget the names they called,” said O’Neal via Pro Football Network. “I was projected from the fourth round to the seventh round, and for my name to not even be called at all, I wish those guys luck, but there’s no chance some of them are on my level. To fall because of a misinterpreted 40-yard dash time, to see a lot of that stuff, that was interesting to me. I had a lot riding on this.

“I ended up going undrafted, but it’s going to be fun. I’ve been playing ball at A&M for four years. I’ve seen the way the fans show love and support for me. That’s the cool part. Now, I’m getting embraced by the 49ers fans and representing the red and gold.”

O’Neal watched the draft with his family, likely anticipating his name being called early on Saturday — only to go through the entire draft without getting the call. By the end of the draft, 21 safeties were selected in the draft over O’Neal. Draft analysts predicted that he would be called by as early as the fourth round and that he could be a top-15 safety.

Now, Leon O’Neal’s rookie NFL contract for being undrafted includes a $10,000 signing bonus and $50,000 guaranteed. His draft stock reportedly fell for the reason that O’Neal addressed, his reported 40-yard dash time that was far lower than expected. O’Neal stressed again that his reputation in the SEC and work should speak for itself, much like a legend that played for his new team.

“The film is what matters; I mean, look at Jerry Rice,” O’Neal said. “I’m a three-year starter in the SEC. I played against Jaylen Waddle, Ja’Marr Chase, and Justin Jefferson. They all respect me. Numerous guys know I’m the truth. For general managers not to see it, and for guys I know I’m better than still got picked, it’s in my heart. I’m going to play my game and let that speak for me.”