David Montgomery is one of my favorite running backs in the NFL and has an incredibly versatile skill set, making him one of the most valuable running backs in the league. When you turn on the film for Kansas' offense, you quickly begin to see what makes Devin Neal one of the most valuable running backs in the 2025 draft class, as he's eerily similar to his fellow Big 12 back in Montgomery.
Coming out of Iowa State in 2019, I had a top-50 grade on David Montgomery, and he ranked as my No. 1 running back in the class. His elite power and pass-blocking prowess made him one of the top ball carriers in the draft, and he always finds a way to impact the offense. I compared Montgomery to former Steelers star (and ex-Kansas City Chief) Le'Veon Bell because of his patience, vision, and power out of the backfield.
Devin Neal's skill set is incredibly reminiscent of the two big backs because of his consistent ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. All three backs had concerns with their lack of speed and athleticism, due to their poor combine performances and lack of breakaway speed. None of these guys found success because of athletic ability, but because of their vision and impressive feel for the game.
Devin Neal vs. Colorado was unstoppable on film:
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) February 16, 2025
➖ 37 Carries
➖ 207 Rush Yards (5.6 YPC)
➖ 80 Receiving Yards
➖ 3 TDs
➖ 8 Missed Tackles Forced
➖ 15 First Downs
Enjoy some All-22 highlights below… pic.twitter.com/X63JPxHxLU
Vision and pass blocking are some of the most underrated aspects of a running back's game, but are skills that are becoming increasingly valuable in the NFL. Neal is one of the best pass blockers in the class, and very likely has the best vision out of the backfield of anyone in this year's class as well.
If you look at what the Lions have done on offense, pairing an incredible athlete that is Jahmyr Gibbs with a polished and consistent back like David Montgomery, the Chiefs could look to do the same. Isiah Pacheco is one of the best athletes in football, but the Chiefs could look to bring in Neal to help complement him out of the backfield.
The two backs would complement each other very well, making Neal a great fit in Kansas City. Pacheco is a subpar pass blocker, and he can struggle at times to gain short yards, exactly what Neal brings to an NFL team. Neal will likely be an early day three pick, and would make for a great improvement to the Chiefs' running back room in 2025 and beyond.