Inside why the New Orleans Saints picked Kansas football's Devin Neal in 2025 NFL Draft
LAWRENCE — Devin Neal became the first Kansas football player to be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft in April, as the New Orleans Saints picked up the star running back in the sixth round.
Neal, who played the past four years for the Jayhawks, parlayed his standout performances in college into a professional opportunity. One of the faces of the rebuild under KU coach Lance Leipold in Lawrence, he can now look forward to playing a role in a new regime in New Orleans. Neal joins a Saints organization that is in the first year of a new head coach, in Kellen Moore.
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Here are five insights into the New Orleans Saints' decision to draft Neal:
What stood out about Devin Neal to New Orleans?
Mickey Loomis, New Orleans' executive vice president/general manager, indicated to reporters that Neal's proven production had a lot to do with drafting this Jayhawks talent. Loomis pointed to Neal putting together three seasons of more than 1,000 yards rushing. Loomis also highlighted that Neal can play on third down, catch the ball out of the backfield and be reliable in pass protection.
How did Devin Neal react to being drafted?
Neal called being selected a dream come true, and referenced how special it was to be able to spend the day he was selected during the NFL draft with friends and family in Lawrence. He mentioned how excited he is to be able to play for the New Orleans organization. He also considers himself blessed to have a chance to keep playing this game.
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Neal will join a running backs room with the Saints that features Alvin Kamara. Neal considers Kamara someone who's been among the top running backs in the league for a long time. Neal envisions being a sponge as much as possible, and trying to pick up what Kamara is able to do well.
What kind of connection did Devin Neal have with New Orleans?
Neal didn't outline that he had extensive conversations with New Orleans, but did acknowledge he spoke with the organization during the pre-draft process. Neal actually pointed to Joel Thomas, the Saints' associate head coach/running backs coach, and mentioned that the two built a bond during the Senior Bowl when Thomas was a member of the New York Giants' coaching staff. Neal appreciated how direct Thomas was, and thinks the two of them understand what each other brings to the table.
Does Devin Neal have any connection with Tyler Shough?
New Orleans made headlines when it selected Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough in the second round, and when Neal shares the field with Shough for the first time the two won't be strangers. Neal said they talked at the NFL combine a lot, and the Senior Bowl a bit as well. Shough spent some time in college at Texas Tech, too, so Neal has played against Shough in the past.
What does Devin Neal think about playing for Kellen Moore?
Neal said he was excited about the chance to play in an offense guided by Kellen Moore, who was the offensive coordinator this past season for the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Neal anticipates one that's going to have a desire to run the ball. He's eager to learn what it takes to not just be in the NFL, but be a quality running back in the league.
Kansas football running back Devin Neal (4) maneuvers past a Colorado defender during a Nov. 23, 2024 game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He was the 2022 National Sports Media Association's sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Inside why New Orleans chose Kansas football's Devin Neal in NFL draft
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