The Indianapolis Colts need running back depth. Therefore, taking Devin Neal would be an ideal pickup. The Kansas running back isn’t expected to go early in the 2025 NFL draft. Instead, he’ll likely be a Day 3 pick.
Running back, of course, isn’t the Colts’ biggest need. The spotlight should be placed more on the tight end and linebacker positions.
With that said, a tight end like Penn State’s Tyler Warren or Michigan’s Colston Loveland might end up in Indianapolis. A linebacker like Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell or UCLA’s Carson Schlesinger could also be selected.
However, the Colts still must address the running back position at some point in the draft. Will Devin Neal be the guy they choose?
Kansas Running Back Devin Neal Would be a Great Pickup for the Indianapolis Colts
His Career
Devin Neal starred at Lawrence High School in Lawrence, Kansas. During his senior year, he rushed for 1,327 yards and 20 touchdowns. He then committed to play football for Kansas.
Neal ran for 707 yards and eight touchdowns in his debut season with the Jayhawks. He also became the first Kansas freshman ever to win the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week.
In 2022, Neal carried the ball 180 times for a total of 1,090 yards and nine touchdowns. He also caught 21 passes for 183 yards and a score. The following year, he rushed for 1,280 yards and 16 touchdowns. He added 25 receptions for 217 yards and a touchdown through the air.
Last season, Neal ran for 1,266 yards and 16 scores. He became Kansas’ all-time leading rusher. Plus, he became the first Jayhawk to ever rush for at least 1,000 in three seasons. Neal had a phenomenal performance against No. 16 Colorado. He ran for 207 yards and three touchdowns and caught four passes for 80 yards and a score in the 37-21 win over the Buffaloes.
Why the Colts Should Draft Him
Quarterback Anthony Richardson, who the Colts drafted in 2023, was supposed to become the face of the franchise. But that hasn’t happened yet. As of right now, Jonathan Taylor is still Indy’s best player. In 2021, the former Wisconsin Badger led the NFL in both rushing yards (1,811) and rushing touchdowns (18). He made his second career Pro Bowl last season.
Taylor is an elite running back. Yet, he has been bitten by the injury bug over the last few years. His backups in 2024, Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson, weren’t very productive. The Colts signed Khalil Herbert this offseason to be the primary backup. While he could prove to be a great addition, the team could still use another running back in case Taylor misses time due to injury.
Devin Neal could certainly be the answer. He’s known as a three-down player. The 5-foot-11, 213-pounder is difficult to bring down in the open field. He can also help out in pass protection. He possesses good vision, physicality, and ball security and is a well-balanced runner.
By drafting Devin Neal, the Colts wouldn’t have to use a high draft pick. Instead, they can land him late in the draft, and he could turn out to be a steal.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
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