New Orleans Saints Select Kansas Running Back Devin Neal with 184th Pick in 2025 NFL Draft

In the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints made a strategic move by selecting running back Devin Neal from the University of Kansas with the 184th overall pick. The decision marks a significant moment both for Neal and for the Saints organization, as they look to inject new energy and depth into their offensive backfield.

Devin Neal, standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 210 pounds, was one of the more productive and versatile running backs in the collegiate ranks during his time at Kansas. Over his four-year career with the Jayhawks, Neal established himself as a dynamic offensive threat, combining a powerful downhill running style with exceptional vision and balance. He finished his college career with over 4,000 rushing yards and 45 touchdowns, while also showcasing his skills as a pass-catcher with nearly 800 receiving yards and several receiving scores.

One of Neal’s defining traits is his ability to maintain top-end speed through contact. His compact frame and strong lower body allow him to break through arm tackles, extend runs after initial contact, and consistently gain tough yardage between the tackles. Additionally, Neal demonstrated a keen sense of patience and anticipation, setting up his blockers and accelerating decisively through holes — a skill that made him highly effective in Kansas’s run-heavy offensive schemes.

The Saints’ decision to draft Neal addresses a pressing need for the team. With veteran running backs experiencing injuries and inconsistency over the past few seasons, New Orleans has been seeking young, dependable talent to bolster their depth chart behind established names. While the Saints still boast the likes of Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller, the addition of Neal gives them a new dimension: a durable, all-purpose back who can contribute immediately in a rotation, and potentially emerge as a key piece for the offense in the future.

Head coach Dennis Allen and general manager Mickey Loomis praised Neal’s work ethic, leadership qualities, and football IQ during their post-draft press conference. Both emphasized that Neal’s character and maturity — highlighted by his leadership role at Kansas and his dedication to improving every offseason — played a major part in their decision to bring him to New Orleans.

“He’s a competitor, a hard worker, and just a very smart football player,” Allen said. “We loved his production, his versatility, and his toughness. We think he can come in and carve out a role early, whether that’s on special teams or in our offensive sets.”

Indeed, special teams may serve as Neal’s initial path to earning significant playing time. His athleticism and fearlessness make him an ideal candidate for coverage units, and his ball security and field awareness could also make him an option as a kick returner. However, given the physical toll the NFL places on running backs, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Neal take on a larger offensive role if injuries or rotations create opportunities during the season.

Draft analysts largely praised the Saints for this selection, noting that Neal could be one of the draft’s biggest value picks late on Day 3. Many had projected him as a mid-round talent given his production and well-rounded skill set. Neal’s slightly lower draft position was likely due to the depth of the 2025 running back class and the tendency for NFL teams to prioritize other positions earlier in the draft.

Neal’s journey to the NFL is also a testament to his resilience and steady progression. A native of Lawrence, Kansas, he chose to stay close to home when he committed to the University of Kansas, helping revitalize a program that had long struggled in the competitive Big 12 conference. His commitment to both football and academics — he was a standout student — set a strong foundation for his success on and off the field.

As he now transitions to the professional level, Devin Neal will look to carry forward the traits that defined his collegiate career: toughness, consistency, and an unrelenting drive to succeed. The Saints, for their part, have added a player who embodies the type of gritty, team-first mentality that the franchise has long valued.

Saints fans should be excited about this addition. While sixth-round picks often face uphill battles to secure roster spots, Devin Neal has all the tools — physically, mentally, and emotionally — to not just make the team but to become an impactful contributor. Whether it’s pounding the ball between the tackles, catching passes out of the backfield, or making a tackle on special teams, Neal’s presence will be felt in New Orleans.

If his college career is any indication, Devin Neal will be a name to watch as the Saints enter a new chapter, hoping to return to playoff contention with a roster infused with young, hungry talent.

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