Don McNeal was drafted No. 21 overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 1980 NFL Draft out of Alabama. 110 regular-season games · 4 seasons as a starter · 30 career approximate value
- Overall pick
- #21
- Round
- 1
- Draft class
- 1980
- NFL games
- 110
- Years as starter
- 4
- Career AV
- 3065th at Alabama
The pick
How Don McNeal came off the board in 1980.
- Position
- Defensive back DB
- College
-
Alabama
SEC at the draft
- Side of the ball
- Defense
NFL career
110 regular-season games · 4 seasons as a starter · 30 career approximate value
- Games played
- 110
- Seasons as a starter
- 4
- Career approximate value
- 3065th among Alabama picks
- AV with the drafting club
- 30100% of career value
- Final season
- 19899 years after the draft
Around pick 21
Who came off the board on either side of Don McNeal.
Louisville · 1× Pro Bowl
Clemson
Wisconsin
Alcorn State · 1× Pro Bowl
Alabama in the 1980 draft
Teammates who went in the same class.
Other DB picks from Alabama
The program's most accomplished players at the same spot.
Patrick Surtain II
DB · DEN · 2021
Alabama · 2× All-Pro · 4× Pro Bowl
#43
Roman Harper
DB · NO · 2006
Alabama · 2× Pro Bowl
#21
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
DB · GB · 2014
Alabama · 1× Pro Bowl
#45
Brian Branch
DB · DET · 2023
Alabama · 1× Pro Bowl
#7
Mark Barron
DB · TB · 2012
Alabama
#20
Kareem Jackson
DB · HOU · 2010
Alabama
About this draft profile
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Don McNeal in the 1980 NFL Draft
Don McNeal is a Defensive back out of Alabama selected No. 21 overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 1980 NFL Draft. 110 regular-season games · 4 seasons as a starter · 30 career approximate value Alabama has produced 263 NFL draft picks since 1980.
Where this data comes from
Pick order and career outcomes come from the nflverse draft archive; position, measurables, and conference at the time of the draft come from the college feed. Career columns stay empty until a player logs regular-season snaps.
Frequently asked questions
Where was Don McNeal drafted?
Don McNeal was selected No. 21 overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 1980 NFL Draft (Rd 1). Full pick detail at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/1980/don-mcneal.
What college did Don McNeal play for?
Don McNeal played college football at Alabama in the SEC. See every Alabama draft pick at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/schools/alabama-crimson-tide.
How did Don McNeal's NFL career turn out?
110 regular-season games · 4 seasons as a starter · 30 career approximate value Career outcome data at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/1980/don-mcneal.