Vikings running back conundrum can be solved in the NFL Draft and a multi-year starter could be the cure
It's an incredibly deep running back class and one that the Minnesota Vikings can take advantage of in the NFL Draft. No matter what archetype they want, the Vikings can find it You could argue that a running back in the first round would be a smart move based on their talent, but waiting might […]
It's an incredibly deep running back class and one that the Minnesota Vikings can take advantage of in the NFL Draft.
No matter what archetype they want, the Vikings can find it You could argue that a running back in the first round would be a smart move based on their talent, but waiting might be a better strategy, as there are so many talented backs on days two and three.
The latest installment of our SKOL Search series focuses on a very popular name in NFL Mock Drafts for the Vikings in Kansas running back Devin Neal.
Devin Neal
- Kansas
- Height: 5111
- Weight: 213
- Class: Fourth-Year Senior
- Recruiting info: 4-star recruit in 2022 class per 247 Sports
- Stats: 760 carries, 4,343 yards, 5.7 YPC, 49 touchdowns, 7 receptions, 711 yards, 4 touchdowns
- Games watched: Arizona State 2024, Kansas State 2024, Colorado 2024
Strengths
- Fluid Mover: While Neal deosn't have the best top-end speed, but he moves very well in space. There isn't a wasted movement when he hits the hole or gets into open space.
- NFL Frame: He is built like an NFL back. Neal is well proportioned throughout his frame and carries his weight very well.
- Pass Catching: Neal has very soft hands. Kansas used him a lot out of the backfield with 79 receptions across his career.
- Vision/Patience: Neal ran in a lot of different run concepts at Kansas and thrived across the board. He displayed great vision in seeing his blocks develop, along with staying patient in letting them develop.
Weaknesses
- Speed: Neal just doesn't have the burst and speed to take advantage of defenses. He has the vision and decision-making to thrive, but could struggle to be a difference-maker at the next level.
- Pass Protection: Consistency is the biggest issue here. Neal flashes the ability to pass protect bit doesn't show enough consistency with his technique.
- Elusiveness: Neal has good size and is a capable enough athlete, but struggles to make defenders miss in open space.
Overview
| Trait | Grade |
|---|---|
Vision | 7.8/10 |
Cutback | 7.7/10 |
Long Speed | 3.2/5 |
Contact Balance | 8.0/10 |
Pass Blocking | 7.1/10 |
Break/Avoid Tackles | 11.2/15 |
Durability | 8.4/10 |
Receiving | 8.1/10 |
Quickness | 7.6/10 |
Ball Security | 8.2/10 |
Grade | 77.3 Third Round Grade |
Neal is a talented running back who isn't the greatest athlete. What he does possess is a really good, diverse ability to play the position. A true three-down running back, Neal can do a little bit of everything.
If the Vikings wait until the third round or later to take a running back, Neal would be a solid choice for them. He would theoretically be a slightly bigger version of Aaron Jones, and we've seen how much he can thrive in the system.
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