The 2025 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Devin Neal NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Running Back
School: Kansas
Size: 5-foot-11, 215 pounds
Class: Senior
2024 stats: 219 carries, 1,266 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, 5.8 yards per rush, 24 catches, 254 receiving yards, 1 touchdown receptions
Neal was a three-star recruit from Lawrence, Kansas who decided to play for the hometown Jayhawks. His freshman season was 2021. He totaled 707 rushing yards, 57 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. His role increased in 2022, when he racked up 1,090 rushing yards, 183 receiving yards and 10 total touchdowns. Neal helped make their first bowl game since 2008 that season. For the 2023 season, Neal registered 1,280 rushing yards, 217 receiving yards and 17 total touchdowns. Kansas made their second straight bowl game behind Neal’s play. In 2024, he totaled 1,266 rushing yards, 254 receiving yards and 17 total touchdowns. The Jayhawks won just five games, despite Neal’s good play.
Following the season, Neal declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. He is a projected second to fourth-round pick.
Neal has great elusiveness that makes defenders miss. He has great agility to change directions quickly, making him tough to track down. Neal has great jump cuts and moves to make people miss. Getting the ball in open space allows him to show his creativity and moves.
While he doesn’t have the best long speed, Neal is extremely quick. Once he sees a hole open up, he accelerates quickly. This gives him he ability to pick up yards early in the rep before defenders can close holes and tackle him.
His receiving has also been on display at the college level. Neal was split out wide at times. He is a good route-runner, who is able to run crisp routes due to his agility. Neal can be a tough matchup for defenses, because of his quickness and agility. He has solid hands and runs a decent amount of routes for a running back.
While he provides value as a pass catcher, he could be a better three-down back if he had better pass protection. He can do a better job of squaring up defenders who are rushing the passer. Neal can also recognize where pressure is coming from quicker.
His vision is inconsistent. Neal can be late to see holes open up in front of him. Other times he can be indecisive and miss the holes after they open up. Neal can see things quicker then be more decisive to maximize the yardage he is able to pick up.
While he is listed at 215 pounds, it looks like Neal is lighter than that. He doesn’t have a ton of power. With average power and contact balance, Neal isn’t a great candidate for short-yardage or goal-line work. He can add strength to his frame to help in this area.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Draft Grade: Fourth Round Pick
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