The Sleeper RB That Could Perfectly Fit The Vikings System
Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
With the Senior Bowl over and the NFL Combine only a couple of weeks away, it’s time to start thinking about who the Minnesota Vikings might select in the 2025 NFL Draft. Even though the Vikings (currently) only have three draft picks and other needs to fill, should Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal become available in the fifth round, they need to take him.
Neal would be a worthy target, even if the Vikings trade down and pick up a fourth-rounder. He’s been a dynamic player and could fill a big hole in the running back room for the next decade.
Last season, the Vikings had Aaron Jones and leaned on him heavily, even after trading for Cam Akers. Both are free agents, and both have big question marks. Jones is 30 and has had injury injuries for most of his career. Akers hasn’t been able to seize a major role in two separate stints in Minnesota. And it’s clear that Kevin O’Connell and company don’t trust Ty Chandler, their lone running back under contract.
Fortunately, the 2025 Draft class is loaded with running backs, and although top prospects Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, Kaleb Johnson might be out of the Vikings’ draft range (particularly if they trade down), then Neal stands out as someone who they can realistically on Day 3 who could be a game changer. Why does he make sense? Let’s break it down.
To start, while O’Connell doesn’t necessarily need a zone running back, that’s the scheme the Vikings run, and it’s what Neal is used to. His strengths also fit exactly how O’Connell wants to run the ball. Neal has some of the best vision of any of the running backs in the draft and pairs that with his cutback ability, making him a big-play threat. The days of Alexander Mattison and the like missing every wide-open hole would be long behind them with the 21-year-old back in Purple and Gold.
Devin Neal is just soooo smooth. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/IGe7p8Gbn0
— Dustin M (@EmpireEliteFF) January 31, 2025
He’s not just a strong option on the ground; he also excels in the passing game, and when he gets out in space, he’s difficult to take down.
Devin Neal is so freaking elusive pic.twitter.com/j89c7oRQJh
— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) January 23, 2025
Want to know what he’s not going to do when he gets that ball out in space? Fumble. On 759 carries during his career at Kansas, he only fumbled the ball four times. The issues Jones had holding onto the football late in the season shouldn’t be a concern with Neal.
So what are the negatives? Mainly, speed. At Kansas, defenders could catch up to Neal on longer runs, and there are some major concerns about that part of his game as he transitions to the NFL. The NFL combine is going to be key for Neal to improve his draft stock, but even if he has a slow 40 time, it shouldn’t scare Minnesota off. Honestly, Vikings fans perhaps should be hoping for an average time, just to make sure his draft stock doesn’t get too high for Minnesota.
Even with his questionable speed, Neal was included among Dane Brugler’s winners after the Senior Bowl.
“It can be tough for running backs to truly impress during Senior Bowl practices, but Neal was consistent all week hitting holes on time and catching the football…he was reliable when targeted in Mobile, and his hand-eye coordination is terrific (not surprising considering Neal also played baseball for a bit at Kansas).”
If you are looking for an NFL comparison, some scouts say he’s like D’Andre Swift, who enjoyed a career year with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, rushing for 1,049 yards on 229 carries. If that’s a realistic projection for Neal, then the Vikings can find a back on Day 2 or 3 of the Draft who can be a major contributor for the medium term. Whether it’s Neal or someone else, the 2025 Draft represents an excellent chance for Minnesota to add a member of a talented running back class.
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