Devin Neal: 2025 Player Profile

Kansas Athletics

Devin Neal

Age: 21

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 213

Career Stats: 49 G/760 ATT/4,343 Yds/77 Rec/53 TD

24' Stats: 12 G / 219 ATT / 1,520 yds / 24 Rec / 17 TD

College YPC: 5.8 YPC

College Dominator Score: 34.4%

Athleticism Score: 103.0 (10th of 22)

All Time Athleticism Rank (187th of 762)

Combine Scores:

40 Time (4.58) Broad Jump (10'4")

NFL Next Gen Grade: 73 (Good)

FITTING THE NFL MOLD

Ideally, a RBs height will be between 5'9" and 6'1" and he will weigh somewhere between 200 and 230 lbs. Neal has a great build where he isn't too big or small for the RB position. The two greatest predictors of NFL success for RBs in the combine are the 40 Yard Dash and the Broad Jump. These test a players speed as well as their lower body explosiveness. Neal doesn't jump off the page with his numbers, but they are decent enough for athleticism to not be a concern for teams.

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

NFL teams raise red flags when a player has 700 or more carries in college or 300+ carries in a season. Neal saw a ton of work over his four years at KU. In fact, he saw more touches than this year's darling, Jeanty. This may give some teams pause, as that is a lot of work on a player who hasn't taken a snap in the NFL yet.

WATCHING THE TAPE

   Neal is a guy who never stops running his legs and will run through players diving at his legs, arm tackles, and shoulder pops. He is shifty and has good balance to make cuts in tight spaces. He trusts himself to stay up and keep plays alive. He's a reliable receiver out of the backfield and has the patience to wait for his blockers to engage with defenders before turning on his jets. Watching Neal, he feels like the RB version of a game manager QB. He is safe and reliable, but he doesn't wow you with anything or have the tools to take over a game.

THE LANDING SPOT

   Neal landing in New Orleans is a very interesting spot. He has Kamara ahead of him who is at the RB age cliff, and he has Kendre Miller ahead of him who can't seem to stay on the field. With some early injuries, Neal could jump over Miller on the depth chart. He likely sees some playing time in his rookie season and be a contributor on special teams. Neal is an intriguing dynasty option with the future of this backfield being so uncertain.

WHERE TO DRAFT HIM

   In redraft leagues, I'm staying away from Neal as I don't see him having enough volume to be fantasy relevant as a rookie. In dynasty rookie drafts, Neal's upside is worthy of him being a late 2nd round pick.

Player Comp

   Roschon Johnson