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NC State DT Alim McNeill Has Reportedly Met with the Colts Virtually Ahead of the NFL Draft

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East Carolina v North Carolina State Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images

According to The Draft Network’s Justin Melo, the Indianapolis Colts are among the NFL teams that have met virtually with North Carolina State defensive tackle Alim McNeill ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft:

The 6’2”, 320 pound junior defensive tackle recorded 26 tackles (6 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and an interception (for a touchdown) during 11 starts in 2020—earning AP 2nd-Team All-American and First-Team All-ACC honors respectively.

McNeill was previously named #32 on The Athletic Bruce Feldman’s ‘2020 college football freaks list’ (subscription)—featuring freakish athleticism at his sheer size:

32. Alim McNeill, NC State, defensive tackle

Freakiest attribute: Explosive strength

Thanks to some smart evaluations and the efforts of Wolfpack strength coach Dantonio Burnette, aka Coach Thunder, State has produced a bunch of Freak D-linemen of late. Meet the next one, a powerhouse 326-pound former four-star recruit who had 28 tackles, 7.5 TFLs and 5.5 sacks last year. McNeill, despite his massive size, vertical jumped 32 inches. Don’t be surprised if the junior runs in the 4.9s by the time he’s ready for the NFL combine. He also benches 445 pounds and squats 640.

Here’s what else they’re saying on McNeill:

The Colts don’t have a current starting opening at defensive tackle with breakout nose stud Grover Stewart having signed a 3-year, $30.75 million extension during this past season, and All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner anchoring the adjacent three-technique spot.

However, McNeill has tantalizing physical traits given his massive size and was highly productive for the Wolfpack. It makes sense that the Colts, and specifically, general manager Chris Ballard—who loves toolsy defensive linemen—has already taken notice and interest.

After all, Ballard preaches ‘winning in the trenches’, and McNeill is an insanely athletic interior defensive line prospect—with the ability to play both tackle spots.