The New Orleans Saints aced their sixth-round pick with the selection of running back Devin Neal.
The New Orleans Saints capitalized on a loaded running back class with the selection of Devin Neal in the sixth round (184) of the 2025 Draft. Neal was projected to go a little earlier, a third or fourth-round prospect going into the draft, so finding him in round six was an absolute steal.
Fans will be delighted about Neal’s reliability. He hasn’t missed a game with an injury in his entire collegiate career. This differs from Kendre Miller and Jamaal Williams who all missed significant time. The Saints will be able to rely on the rookie running back to consistently be ready to play.
Neal’s production in college is elite. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. In addition, he has the record for rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and total touchdowns at Kansas. Amidst the era of the transfer portal, Neal has stayed loyal to the Jayhawks for his collegiate career. He was born and raised in Lawrence, KS and stayed there for as long as he could.
Devin Neal and Alvin Kamara will be a dangerous tandem of running backs for opposing defenses to handle. They both can hurt a defense in more than one way. Neal, like Kamara, is great receiving wise. He is an excellent route runner and has reliable hands. This gives Tyler Shough, or whoever is starting a quarterback, another reliable target that he can go to while under pressure.
In recent years Kamara has had to take a majority of the reps as the Saints didn’t have another back behind him. Neal will allow him to be used as more of a change of pace guy which will make him more efficient. Even though Kamara is out, teams will still have trouble bringing him down in the open field. Neal has a blend of elusiveness and power that makes him a nightmare for defenses. He is more than capable of juking a defender then running over a defensive back in the same play.
The Saints got a steal in the sixth round. Devin Neal’s reliability paired with his elite production and skills make him a dynamic player for Kellen Moore’s offense. The front office nailed this selection.
