The NFL has really been testing the Running Backs Don’t Matter Theory, with teams looking to draft-and-dump ball carriers and big them adieu before their contract is up or they reach 30. Sometimes, they look for their RBs at the back end of the draft instead of using an early pick.
Although this strategy worked for a while, last year we saw a fundamental shift in the perception of a running back’s value to an offense.
Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry unlocked new aspects of elite offenses, making them even more dominant. Even within the NFC North, many thought the Detroit Lions had reached for Jahmyr Gibbs. However, he dominated opposing defenses and took Detroit’s offense to the next level.
The Vikings also recognized this last offseason. After riding with Alexander Mattison and Ty Chandler for a season, they brought in Aaron Jones. He had a career season, but with that came career-high touches. While Jones filled in exceptionally, he showed signs of slowing down at the end of the season due to injury or age.
Minnesota made moves in the running back department by re-signing Jones and their surprising trade for Jordan Mason, but there are still some questions surrounding the long-term prospects at the running back position. While the Vikings are likely set for this season, they can use the draft and this deep running back class to find their starter for seasons to come.
Kansas’ Devin Neal could be their future starting running back.
In his first year at Kansas, Neal broke onto the scene, putting up 700 yards as a true freshman. Neal has improved every season after that, posting three consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons, with the final two seasons eclipsing 1,200 yards.
At 5 ’11”, 195 lbs., Neal would need to add some weight to be a consistent every-down back in the NFL. However, he has the speed and vision to be successful in the NFL as a potential lead back in a committee.
Neal is in the mold of a modern NFL running back who can impact both the receiving and running games. He has the athleticism to keep up at the next level with his quick feet and strength, allowing him to bounce to the outside when the rushing lanes close down. This, combined with his great vision, will enable him to understand when to hit the hole and when to sit back and let blocks develop.
Neal’s ability to make the correct reads with his vision makes him the perfect one-cut back in a zone-blocking offense like Minnesota’s. As a runner, Neal has everything the Vikings offense would want.
His big-play ability makes him an interesting prospect. During his time at Kansas, Neal always threatened to break a run loose. He’s also incredibly difficult to bring down when he gets into the open field. Neal’s top-end speed makes it almost impossible for the defense to catch him.
The receiving game sets Neal apart from other running backs in this class. He has a limited route tree, so Kansas primarily used Neal on screens and dump-offs. Still, he has proven he has dependable hands.
Minnesota could split Neal out wide on certain plays like they did with Jones this season. His dependable hands and ability to follow his blocks in the screen game allow for him to be a safe checkdown option.
When teams were intent on taking away Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, we saw T.J. Hockenson and Jones thrive underneath with plenty of space to work. Getting a younger, dependable pass-catching back like Neal would add another weapon opponents have to worry about in Minnesota’s offense.
While there are things to love about Neal’s game, some of his shortcomings prevent him from getting the same acclaim as Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, or other top RBs in this class.
Neal’s size may have worked against bigger, stronger linebackers in college. Still, he must add some muscle to his frame. In the meantime, the Vikings would be more than content giving the lion’s share of their snaps to both Jones and Mason, who figure to have much more critical roles earlier on into the season.
With his small size and questionable pass protection, Neal won’t likely be an every-down back to start his career. If the Vikings draft him, they would likely need to use a committee running back system early.
Neal will not be a first-round pick. However, the Vikings might have to do some maneuvering on Day 2 if they want their chance to land this playmaker. While this move may seem perplexing to some, think of the New Orleans Saints adding Alvin Kamara to what was thought to be stacked running back room with Adrian Peterson and Mark Ingram. Kamara added a different dimension and eventually became their star back.
Eventually, Neal could play the same role for the Vikings.
