Jun 10, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal (30) on running back drills during minicamp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
The “Boom and Zoom” era of New Orleans Saints running backs Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram was a fun and exciting time for the team’s offense.
What Was The “Boom and Zoom” Era?
As long as it’s a reunion … can I come? @A_kamara6 @markingramII @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/T71RN6ynLt
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 27, 2021
Kamara was the “Zoom” in the equation while Ingram provided the “Boom” side of things. This is a pairing the Saints are trying to get back to, or something similar, and now rookie running back Devin Neal has a chance to claim his role.
Ingram’s bruising, yet versatile rushing style and ability to catch out of the backfield offered a perfect balance to Kamara’s scat-back, get-him-out-in-space style. Both backs were the perfect amount of unpredictable yet complementary.
After Ingram’s initial departure (he would return via trade later), veteran back Latavius Murray played the role admirably. He too had a unique enough blend to his game to adequately present a second threat alongside Kamara. Murray was also a fantastic pass protector.
Saints RB Struggles Since
Murray finished his 2020 season with the Saints as the team’s second-leading rusher. Following his exit, no running back has been the team’s second-leading rusher since. That honor has been held annually instead by versatile offensive weapon Taysom Hill.
New Orleans has recently invested heavily in the position, in search of not only someone to complement Kamara, but potentially take the reins once his playing days are done in New Orleans. The team has learned to be better prepared for the loss of premiere talent since the retirement of quarterback Drew Brees.
Who’s Next?
Besides Kamara, the Saints have options at running back this year. Neal was selected in the sixth-round by the new coaching staff, making him an intriguing prospect. Third-year running back Kendre Miller is being given a fresh start under the new regime. Veterans Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Velus Jones Jr. and the newly-signed Cam Akers are in search of their next opportunities. And young Marcus Yarns, the undrafted rookie, looks like a developmental back in the vein of Kamara.
Neal Could Stand Out Quickly
What makes Neal so interesting is that, much like Ingram, he’s the right amount of versatile. He can run inside and out, he can run both gap and zone schemes and he can catch out of the backfield.
Devin Neal (RB #Kansas) plays with such a unique rhythm.
He’s able to effortlessly start, stop, and change speeds. It’s super deceiving to defenders. Added value as a pass-catcher too.
Big fan of his game early on in the scouting process… pic.twitter.com/fOx0LmiW6N
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) December 14, 2024
Most importantly, he is durable and stays available. Of his 50 eligible games in college, he missed only one: a bowl game opt-out to get ready for the 2025 NFL Draft.
And he did so while being impressively productive. He gained more than 1,000 rushing yards in each of the last three years including scoring 16 rushing scores in each of the last two. Ball security was also key, with Neal fumbling just twice in his last 25 games.
What Stands In His Way?
Neal won’t face anything more than usual rookie hurdles. There are the players that are already ahead of him and implanted into the team’s fabric and learning his new system. But because of his talent, versatility and unique blend of experience and tread left on the tire, nothing out of the ordinary should stand before him.
Neal could turn out to be a good complementary option for Kamara in 2025. The first opportunity will likely go to Miller and rightfully so. But depending on health, Neal’s opportunity may still come as early as this year. If not, he will get another chance, likely in his rookie contract, to contribute as a major part of the future Saints running back committee.
