Scouting Profile: Devin Neal - RB - Kansas
Sales Pitch: Well-round back with strong production in college. Lacks game breaking traits but should be a quality innings-eater in the middle rounds.
*Gold Numbers Indicate NCAA T-25 for 2024*
Scouting Report
Devin Neal is a former 4-Star recruit from the state of Kansas. He was a staple for the Jayhawks offense over the past four years with 44 starts under his belt. Neal received All-Conference honors in each of his final three seasons, after posting 1,000+ yards in each campaign.
Neal has a well-rounded profile with solid athleticism and above 50th percentile measurements for height and weight. Kansas’ all time leading rusher has been the epitome of consistency during his time in Lawrence. His effort and leg drive as a runner, combined with a history of taking on a full workload should lead to a high floor immediately at the NFL level. Neal is at his best as a gap scheme or inside zone runner. He has light feet to tempo his runs and set up his blocks. He shows excellent instincts in traffic to pick his way through the hole. Neal is a decisive north-south runner who quickly attacks green grass in the hole. He shows the balance and flexibility to bounce off of would be tacklers in traffic. He is adept at reducing his frame, to limit the power behind tackle attempts and stay upright. Neal is a quality pass catcher out of the backfield as well. He shows dependable hands that infrequently put the ball on the turf as a runner or receiver. His balance allows him to quickly gather himself and transition to ball carrier after the catch.
Neal does a lot of things well, but lacks any true game changing traits. A lot of his physical attributes are closer to solid than they are good. Neal is listed at a quality 215 pounds, but his play strength and frame on tape don’t match that number. Despite good leg drive, he fails to push piles or fall forward when squared up by tacklers. Neal also lacks the burst or long speed to consistently create breakaway runs. His average burst at the 2nd and 3rd levels allows linebackers to cut him off and limit big runs. As a result, Neal doesn’t project as well to outside zone schemes as he does gap schemes. He struggles to access the cutback lanes needed for big runs and lacks a creativity in space to make defenders miss. The biggest area of improvement Neal needs to make at the next level is his pass blocking. He is a capable receiver but struggles to consistently execute in pass protection. He displays inconsistent technique and angles to pick up free runners, and his lack of strength creates issues anchoring and protecting the pocket.
Neal profiles best as a lead back in a rotation for a gap scheme team. His experience, pass catching ability and foot quickness should translate quickly to the next level. Neal’s lack of top end tools project him more to an inning-eating middle round pick who brings most of his value on his rookie contract.