In 2017, the New Orleans Saints put together arguably the best draft class in franchise history. One of the players who made the draft class so grade was Alvin Kamara. Selected in the third round, Kamara became the greatest running back in franchise history.
Now, as his career nears an end, the Saints could find another running back in the mid rounds of the 2025 Draft to replace Kamara. That running back could be Devin Neal.
Saints could draft Devin Neal to be Alvin Kamara’s successor
Accolades: Kansas all-time leading rusher, rushing touchdown, and total touchdowns, Senior Bowl participant
2024 stats: 218 attempts, 1,262 yards, 16 touchdowns, 26 receptions, 266 receiving yards
Size: 5’11, 215 LBs
Projection: 4th round
Devin Neal is an experienced player whose patience complements his vision and quick-cut ability, consistently making him a dangerous rusher. Neal has flown under the radar in a stacked 2025 running back class. He has a chance to separate himself and improve his stock with an impressive showing at the Combine.
Neal has proven he’s a star running back in college with four years of solid production. He will go down as a Kansas great, leading the team in all-time rushing yards, touchdowns, and total touchdowns. Neal was a hometown hero, growing up in Lawrence. In a period marked by NIL and the transfer portal, Devin Neal stayed loyal to his team.
Neal will excel in a zone-running scheme, largely due to his patience and vision. Once given the ball, he allows his blocks to set up. This allows him to survey the field and decide where to make his cut. He is decisive once he sees his lane. It’s challenging for a defender to fill the gap because of how precise his cuts are. Neal makes it seem if he’s going one way then rapidly bounces it a different direction. This is precisely what makes an excellent zone running back.
The former Jayhawk becomes dangerous when in the open field. He’s a rare blend of elusiveness and power. Neal prefers to juke a defender or use a spin move, however, he’s more than capable of lowering his shoulder. He contains amazing contact balance that allows him to bounce off tackles with bad form.
Neal poses a threat in the receiving game. He has reached over 200 receiving yards and 25 catches each of the past two years. He thrives when given manufactured touches in the screen game. In addition to this, Neal has shown the ability to run routes. He must be accounted for every passing snap.
The biggest issue with Neal’s game is his lack of breakaway speed. He is an explosive threat, but most of his big plays come from him breaking tackles, not burning players. His 40-yard dash will be paramount to where he gets drafted.
Devin Neal may not be the most talked about running back in this class, however, he will be a valuable mid-round gem for a team. His patience, vision, and ability to break tackles makes him intriguing for any team needing depth.