This year hasn’t gone as planned for the New Orleans Saints running backs. Alvin Kamara was supposed to have a career resurgence under Kellen Moore, and Kendre Miller was in-line for a breakout season. However, both of them have suffered injuries, opening the door for rookie running back Devin Neal.
The Saints selected Neal in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He had an illustrious career at Kansas, being the Jayhawks all-time leader in rushing yards and touchdowns. He wasn’t supposed to see the field in year one, being third in line. He was even a healthy scratch for the first few weeks of the season.
Everything changed when Kamara injured his knee and ankle in week 12, and Neal was thrust into a lead role. There’s currently no timetable for Kamara’s return, so expect to see a heavy dosage of Neal in the coming weeks, which isn’t a bad thing. His play emphasizes how impressive the 2025 draft class has been for the Saints so far.
Devin Neal is growing as the Saints give him a bigger role
It took time to ramp up, but Neal has improved each week as he’s earned Moore’s trust. Neal’s coming off his best career game with 84 scrimmage yards and a touchdown against the Buccaneers.
His usage has increased every week. Neal touched the ball 12 times against the Falcons (seven rushes and five receptions), then had 17 opportunities against the Dolphins (14 rushes and three receptions) and finally 20 chances in an upset win against the Buccaneers (19 rushes and one reception). Neal’s clearly impressed in the absence of Kamara. His role is only expected to grow in the future
Neal is an efficient rusher but provides immense value in the pass game, both as a receiver and a blocker. He’s caught 16 of 18 targets for 100 yards on the season. He’s a valuable safety net for Tyler Shough while under duress. In addition, he’s made multiple spectacular blocks on free rushers to extend the play and give the quarterback a chance.
Devin Neal has been a bright spot for the Saints in recent weeks. Seeing the Saints get production out of that position despite going to their third string is an overwhelming positive. Having to step into the lead role with Kamara out is an opportunity Miller never received, and Neal is making the most of it. Expect his role to grow as Neal continues to impress the coaching staff and fans.