Latest news with #DevinNeal
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
What Kansas Draft Choice Devin Neal Adds To Saints Offense
For the last several years, the New Orleans Saints have failed to provide a complement at running back to Alvin Kamara. As a result, the Saints haven't been able to move Kamara around their formations as often and have been forced to rely on running him more between the tackles. Taysom Hill has been the second best rushing option for New Orleans. Hill is undoubtedly a punishing and productive weapon, but the team was expected to add a physical runner sometime during the 2025 NFL Draft. Advertisement New Orleans did just that. With the eighth choice of the sixth round and pick number 184 overall, the Saints selected running back Devin Neal from Kansas. Here's a closer look at Neal's collegiate career and what he'll bring to New Orleans. RB - Devin Neal, Kansas Kansas running back Devin Neal (4) runs through the Colorado Buffaloes. Mandatory Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images It was a short trip from Neal graduating Lawrence High School with his collegiate choice of the University of Kansas. He'd contribute immediately, leading the Jayhawks with 707 rushing yards and 8 scores as a freshman in 2021. Over his last three seasons, Neal eclipsed 1,000 yards each year. He averaged 1,086 rushing yards and 5.7 per carry over his four years with the Jayhawks and scored 53 touchdowns. In both 2023 and 2024, Neal ran for over 1,265 yards and rushed for 16 scores in each season. Advertisement Neal isn't a bad athlete, but lacks breakaway speed and doesn't bring a home-run threat to the position. He'll also need to develop his skills in the passing game to be an every down back. He struggles in blitz pickup and hasn't shown much natural ability as a pass categories out of the backfield. Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) carries the ball into the end zone for a touchdown against the Houston Cougars. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images While a physical runner, Neal has an upright style that gives tacklers an easy target. He'll need to improve his leverage for better contact balance and eliminate any hesitation when first hitting open lanes. Listed at 5'11" and 213-Lbs., Neal has an angry running style that fans love. He does have an impressive initial burst that gets him to daylight and an extra gear to pull away from defenders. Advertisement Neal has nice vision for zone-blocking schemes and a one-cut style that allows him to hit the hole quickly. His excellent lateral agility also causes him to make tacklers miss often, with the combined power to lower his head for extra yardage. Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) runs with the ball against the UNLV Rebels. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images William Purnell-Imagn Images Not just a between-the-tackles runner, Neal has the speed to be dangerous on off-tackle plays. He's shown that he can handle a heavy volume of touches and still be effective late into games or a season. Devin Neal will need to improve as a receiver and blocker for every down duties. With the Saints, his abilities as a runner could finally give the team another legitimate backfield threat without having to rely on the versatility of Taysom Hill. Advertisement If Neal is able to be productive as a runner between the tackles and outside, then New Orleans could again use Kamara's incredible abilities around the formation. That 1-2 punch, along with Hill, can again add an element of unpredictability in the New Orleans offensive attack. Related: How Louisville Draft Pick Quincy Riley Fills A Saints Need Related: Why The Saints Targeted Oklahoma Linebacker Danny Stutsman In The Draft Related: Best Remaining Prospects For Day 3 Of the 2025 NFL Draft Related: Final New Orleans Saints 7-Round NFL Mock Draft
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
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. Advertisement RELATED: Watch for these Kansas football players, including Bryce Foster, in 2026 NFL Draft 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. Advertisement 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@ 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
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Broncos sending scouts to RB Devin Neal's pro day
The Denver Broncos are taking a close look at Kansas running back Devin Neal ahead of the 2025 NFL draft. After previously meeting with Neal at the Senior Bowl and again at the NFL combine, the Broncos are now sending scouts to his pro day, according to the Denver Post's Luca Evans. The Big 12 is hosting a joint pro day featuring 16 schools in Texas from March 18-21, so the Broncos will undoubtedly be scouting multiple prospects at that mega pro day, but Evans noted that multiple scouts will be there specifically to watch Neal. Neal (5-11, 213 pounds) ran a 40-yard dash in 4.58 seconds and a 10-yard split in 1.59 seconds at the combine. He finished his time at Kansas with a school-record 4,343 rushing yards and 49 rushing touchdowns. NFL mock drafts now have him projected as a fourth-round prospect. Devin Neal has ELITE elusiveness 👀He's put up 34 TDs and 2452 rushing yards in the last two seasons while forcing 126 missed excels in a balanced Kansas rushing attack thanks to his vision. Also has good ball security (2 fumbles, 421 carries).Day 2 talent. — NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 1, 2025 The Broncos hold seven draft picks this year, including No. 122 in the fourth round. The 2025 NFL draft will be held in Wisconsin from April 24-26. These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL draft: Broncos sending scouts to RB Devin Neal's pro day
USA Today
15-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Broncos sending scouts to RB Devin Neal's pro day
Broncos sending scouts to RB Devin Neal's pro day The Denver Broncos are taking a close look at Kansas running back Devin Neal ahead of the 2025 NFL draft. After previously meeting with Neal at the Senior Bowl and again at the NFL combine, the Broncos are now sending scouts to his pro day, according to the Denver Post's Luca Evans. The Big 12 is hosting a joint pro day featuring 16 schools in Texas from March 18-21, so the Broncos will undoubtedly be scouting multiple prospects at that mega pro day, but Evans noted that multiple scouts will be there specifically to watch Neal. Neal (5-11, 213 pounds) ran a 40-yard dash in 4.58 seconds and a 10-yard split in 1.59 seconds at the combine. He finished his time at Kansas with a school-record 4,343 rushing yards and 49 rushing touchdowns. NFL mock drafts now have him projected as a fourth-round prospect. The Broncos hold seven draft picks this year, including No. 122 in the fourth round. The 2025 NFL draft will be held in Wisconsin from April 24-26. These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans
USA Today
01-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Broncos met with RB Devin Neal at the NFL combine
Broncos met with RB Devin Neal at the NFL combine The Denver Broncos continue to take a close look at Kansas running back Devin Neal. The Broncos met with Neal at the NFL combine in Indianapolis this week after previously met with the running back at the Senior Bowl in Mobile in January. Neal (5-10, 220 pounds) rushed 760 times for 4,343 yards and 49 touchdowns in four years (49 games) with the Jayhawks. He earned All-Big 12 honors in each of the past two seasons and helped Kansas reach three bowl games during his time at the school. The 21-year-old running back also made plays as a receiver out of the backfield, hauling in 77 receptions for 711 yards and four scores in college. He is now projected as a fourth-round pick in NFL mock drafts. With Javonte Williams scheduled to become a free agent, running back is one of Denver's top positions of need this spring. The Broncos currently hold seven picks, including a selection in the fourth round, so Neal could be in play during April's draft. These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans
