The New Orleans Saints made waves in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Kansas running back Devin Neal, a move that caught many analysts and fans off guard. While Neal had an impressive college career, he was not projected by most mock drafts to go as early as he did, and certainly not to a team like the Saints that appeared to have other more pressing positional needs. However, a closer look at the Saints’ decision-making process reveals a calculated gamble on a versatile playmaker who fits their long-term vision.
Devin Neal was a standout at the University of Kansas, amassing over 1,400 rushing yards in his final collegiate season while also contributing as a pass-catcher and special teams threat. His combination of speed, agility, and football IQ helped him rise quietly through the ranks of a loaded running back class. Scouts praised his vision and patience behind the line of scrimmage, along with a burst that allowed him to break long runs. While he didn’t play in a traditional powerhouse program, Neal’s production against top-tier Big 12 defenses stood out.
For the Saints, the selection was about more than raw numbers. Sources inside the organization indicate that head coach Dennis Allen and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak had been eyeing Neal since midseason. What sold them was not just his athleticism, but his character, leadership, and adaptability — qualities the Saints have prioritized as they retool a roster in transition.
With veteran running back Alvin Kamara aging and dealing with recurring injuries, and uncertainty surrounding the depth behind him, the Saints saw Neal as a potential heir apparent. Unlike some of the other backs in the class, Neal brings a multi-dimensional skill set. He can line up in the slot, handle pass protection duties, and is comfortable in both zone and gap schemes. In other words, he fits the Saints’ evolving offensive philosophy, which is shifting toward more spread formations and positionless football concepts.
The Saints also valued Neal’s durability. In an era where running back longevity is a major concern, his clean medical history and workhorse experience at Kansas gave evaluators confidence. Neal rarely missed a game and showed consistency week in and week out, even when the Jayhawks weren’t favored. That reliability resonated with a franchise that has struggled with injuries across the board in recent seasons.
Critics of the pick have argued that the Saints had more pressing needs at offensive line, cornerback, and wide receiver. But the front office, led by GM Mickey Loomis, believed that Neal represented a rare opportunity to secure a player with high upside and low risk. As one scout put it, “He checks every box except hype — and we’re okay with that.”
Neal’s transition to the NFL will come with the usual challenges. Adjusting to the speed of the game, learning a more complex playbook, and managing expectations as a high draft pick are all part of the process. But if early minicamp impressions are any indication, the Saints may have found a steal.
Devin Neal enters a New Orleans locker room with a chip on his shoulder and a legacy to build. He may not have been the most talked-about name on draft night, but the Saints’ brass believes he’ll be one of the most impactful when it’s all said and done. Time will tell whether the gamble pays off — but inside the organization, there’s quiet confidence that Devin Neal was exactly the kind of player they needed.
