2025 Dynasty Rookie Early Look: Devin Neal, RB Kansas

Devin Neal | © Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Brandon Haye Posted On January 28, 2025

Devin Neal played all four years and was very productive at Kansas. He has been a darling of the devy community but never has gained the hype to be a top-end back. His film shows a slashing back who is very good in between the tackles.

The 2025 RB class looks to be very strong and deep. That means very good running back talent could be pushed down into the fourth round. Neal lacks elite traits but can he impress scouts at the Senior Bowl to improve his stock?

Recruitment

Courtesy of 247 Sports.

Neal was a top 250 prospect in 2021 and the 14th RB in the class. He was ranked as the number one player in the state of Kansas with offers from Baylor, Iowa, Kansas State, and Oklahoma State.

Collegiate Career

Courtesy of Sports Reference.

Neal led the Jayhawks in rushing his freshman year with 700 yards and eight touchdowns. He dominated the running back carries with 158, while the second-leading rusher had only 60 carries. Neal improved in 2022 and maintained the majority of carries. He went over the 1,000 rushing-yard mark and added nine touchdowns. In 2023, he continued to develop and increased his yardage to over 1,200 yards with 16 touchdowns.

The Kansas team had a disappointing 2024, but Neal had similar numbers to his impressive 2023 campaign. He showed off his good receiving ability with two straight years of over 20 receptions and 200 yards. Neal was very productive in Kansas and finished with over 5,000 total yards and 53 touchdowns.

Strengths

Patiently waits on blocks to get set up
Good technique in pass pro
Contact balance to take hits and get extra yards
Sticks foot in ground and gets upfield

Weaknesses

Slasher. Not the best at moving pile consistently
Sometimes lacks vision to see cutback
Lacks elite speed

Draft Value

Courtesy of NFL Mock Draft Database.

This is a very deep running back draft and I think that will cause Neal to not get drafted until day three of the NFL Draft. Right now he is projected to be a fourth-round pick and I think that is a fair projection. His overall rank is 98th, which would put him near the top of the fourth round. I see him to be similar to Bucky Irving. Both were very productive backs but lack of elite speed had them fall in the draft.

Dynasty Outlook

In recent years, running backs have seen a decrease in value. This year may see that turning around a little bit. Free agent running backs have had huge years (Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Derrick Henry). This draft has some elite running back talent and will push some very good backs into day three.

I was a little disappointed in the speed with Neal and he does not run the crispest routes. He is more of an outlet receiver in my opinion. He is a patient runner who allows for plays to develop and has good short-area quickness. He is solid in pass protection and a very good runner between the tackles. He does not have the speed to get to the corner most times and his long runs are limited to chunk 20-yard gains. Neal is dependent on the situation he goes to but could carve out a good role in his rookie year as a second back on an offense.

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Brandon Haye

Contributor at Dynasty League Football

I am a data analyst for a health insurance company and try to bring both film and analytics together in my fantasy football analysis. I have been playing fantasy football for over 20 years and enjoy every type of format. I have a soft spot for Devy because of my love for college football.