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NFL.com profile on RB Devin Neal
Posted on 4/26/25 at 3:13 pm
Posted on 4/26/25 at 3:13 pm
quote:
Analysis By Lance Zierlein, NFL Analyst
Draft Projection: Rounds 5-6
Overview
Workload runner with NFL size and 4 years of steady production to help elevate the program. Neal runs with a nice blend of patience and decisiveness to choose the right lanes and maximize each carry. He lacks top-end burst and speed, which will shrink the field for him, but he’s a fall-forward runner with good contact balance and a nose for short-yardage conversions. He has good instincts and soft hands in space and can help as a leak-out or swing-pass option. His blue-collar approach isn’t exciting but it is effective and Neal has the ability to develop into a backup three-down back.
Strengths
Runs behind his blocks while maintaining decisiveness.
Keeps the run on track and won’t deviate unnecessarily.
Plays with synced-up eyes and feet for sudden transitions.
Prioritizes ball security and has a low fumble rate.
Pushes through initial contact and falls forward for yardage.
Converts short-yardage carries with downhill mentality and forward lean.
Capable receiver out of the backfield with smooth hands.
Weaknesses
Average early burst to keep defenses from crowding his runs.
Takes time to gather feet and cut on a hard flow wide.
Lacks creativity to find alternate pathways when needed.
Average “make-you-miss” after the catch in space.
Needs better strain and finish to keep his quarterback protected.
Sources Tell Us
“He’s got size, instincts, production – it’s all there in one package. He’s going to be a good pro.” – NFC scouting director
This post was edited on 4/26/25 at 3:14 pm
5
Posted on 4/26/25 at 3:14 pm to L.A.
it's a great pick... he's not Kamara, by any stretch, but he has a lot of similar facets of his game....
Posted on 4/26/25 at 3:16 pm to chRxis
Sounds like a lunch pail type of guy
Posted on 4/26/25 at 3:17 pm to Sunnyvale
quote:
Sounds like a lunch pail type of guy
maybe... but the dude is pretty good, and has a ton of production to vouch for that
Posted on 4/26/25 at 3:22 pm to L.A.
quote:
Neal runs with a nice blend of patience and decisiveness to choose the right lanes and maximize each carry.
He’s always looking for his blocks and hits the openings. Like this pick.
Posted on 4/26/25 at 3:23 pm to L.A.
From Espn:
quote:
Devin Neal, Kansas, RB, 5'11" 213 lbs
POS RK 8
OVR RK 101
GRADE 70
Pre-Draft Analysis
Neal is the first Kansas player to record 1,000 rushing yards in three straight seasons. As a patient runner, he follows lead blocks well on power runs and makes good decisions on zone runs. He's elusive and makes defenders miss without losing much forward momentum when he gets to the second level. His contact balance and core strength are impressive. He has small hands, but he tracks the ball well and is a threat to turn a short pass into a big gain. He keeps his head on a swivel as a pass blocker. -- Steve Muench
Posted on 4/26/25 at 3:24 pm to L.A.
Great pick! The one player I wanted the most in these later rounds. Y’all going to love this guy. Just a solid pick. He’s got a little Deuce in him. Doesn’t go down easy.
Posted on 4/26/25 at 3:39 pm to L.A.
I don’t come on the Saints board much, but want to give you what I’ve seen from Neal the last few as a Kansas fan:
He’s a smart, patient runner. Quick feet and finds ways to make guys miss in tight spaces near the line. Improved pass-catching and pass-protection over the last two years. Always falls forward and is rarely tackled for a loss. Was reliable in short-yardage and goal line situations. Leader on and off the field and represented the university well in every aspect.
Doesn’t have high end speed and makes guys miss more in tighter spaces than in the open field. He can get run down from behind if he finds himself in space, but is good and smart enough to find himself at the second level quite a bit. Rarely fumbles or makes poor decisions.
Overall, he’s a good player who should be able to carve out a spot on the roster and provide a solid, but not spectacular option at RB. Pretty excited that the Saints got him and that he’ll have a chance to impact a team next season.
He’s a smart, patient runner. Quick feet and finds ways to make guys miss in tight spaces near the line. Improved pass-catching and pass-protection over the last two years. Always falls forward and is rarely tackled for a loss. Was reliable in short-yardage and goal line situations. Leader on and off the field and represented the university well in every aspect.
Doesn’t have high end speed and makes guys miss more in tighter spaces than in the open field. He can get run down from behind if he finds himself in space, but is good and smart enough to find himself at the second level quite a bit. Rarely fumbles or makes poor decisions.
Overall, he’s a good player who should be able to carve out a spot on the roster and provide a solid, but not spectacular option at RB. Pretty excited that the Saints got him and that he’ll have a chance to impact a team next season.
Posted on 4/26/25 at 3:42 pm to WuShock
He has a motor
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