The NFL draft is usually about 4.3 speed and massive wingspans. But sometimes, a story comes along that makes you ignore the spreadsheets. Honestly, Tyler Neville is that story for 2025.
If you followed the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, you probably noticed Neville didn't hear his name called during the seven rounds in Detroit. Most guys would've been crushed. For Neville? It was just another Tuesday. This is a guy who has survived nearly 20 surgeries and a cancer diagnosis before he even finished high school.
Basically, being an undrafted free agent (UDFA) is a walk in the park compared to what he’s already handled.
The Harvard to Virginia Leap
Neville isn't your typical "project" player. He spent three productive seasons at Harvard, where he was a two-time First Team All-Ivy selection. He wasn't just a brainiac out there; he was a physical force, helping the Crimson lead the Ivy League in rushing in 2023.
But he knew he needed more eyes on him. He transferred to the University of Virginia for his final year of eligibility in 2024 to prove he could hang with ACC talent.
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 248 lbs
- 2024 Stats: 37 receptions, 394 yards, 2 touchdowns.
He didn't put up "video game" numbers, but scouts don't just look at the box score. They saw a tight end who could play the "Y" position (inline) and the "H" (slot) with equal comfort. His two-touchdown game against Wake Forest was the moment people started whispering about his pro potential. He became the first UVA tight end since 2007 to haul in two scores in a single game.
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What the Dallas Cowboys Saw
When the draft ended, the Dallas Cowboys didn't waste time. They signed Neville to a three-year UDFA contract worth $2,975,000. Now, don't let that big number fool you; most of it isn't guaranteed. However, they did give him a $100,000 guarantee and a $10,000 signing bonus.
In the world of UDFAs, that's a massive "we actually like you" signal.
The Cowboys have a history of finding gems where others don't look. Tight end coach Lunda Wells specifically pointed out that while Neville’s story is inspiring, they signed him because of the tape. He’s got reliable hands—he caught nearly 69% of his targets in 2024—and he’s a "dirty work" blocker.
The Scouting Report: Grit Over Flash
Let’s be real: Neville isn't going to outrun an NFL safety in a straight line. His 40-yard dash estimates hover around the 4.7 range. He’s not a "burner."
What he is, though, is a problem solver.
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- Catch Radius: He has that "vacuum" quality. If the ball is near his 6'4" frame, he’s usually coming down with it.
- Football IQ: You don't graduate from Harvard without a high processing speed. He reads zone coverages like a veteran.
- Versatility: He played almost an equal split of snaps inline and in the slot at Virginia. That’s huge for an NFL offense that wants to stay unpredictable.
Some scouts worry about his "top-end play speed." He’s not a guy who’s going to rack up 50 yards after the catch (YAC). He’s a "chain-mover." You throw him the ball on 3rd and 6 because you know he’ll find the soft spot in the zone and hold onto the ball through contact.
The Medical Miracle
You can't talk about the Tyler Neville NFL draft journey without mentioning the "bar."
At 14, he was diagnosed with pectus excavatum—his breastbone was growing inward, crushing his heart and lungs. He had a metal bar surgically implanted in his chest to push his ribs out. Then came the cancer diagnosis. Because of the metal bar, he couldn't get radiation. He had to do six months of chemo while still trying to be a kid.
He played high school ball with a metal bar in his chest. Think about that for a second.
When NFL teams talk about "mental toughness," this is the gold standard. Coaches love players who have already faced the worst and didn't blink. It makes a rainy training camp practice in July seem pretty easy.
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How He Fits in the NFL
Neville’s path to a 53-man roster is clear: Special Teams. Undrafted tight ends rarely make it by being the #1 receiving option. They make it by being a demon on kickoff coverage and a reliable blocker on the punt team. Neville has shown a willingness to do all of it.
If he can prove he’s a reliable "move" blocker in the Cowboys' zone scheme, he could easily push for a spot behind Jake Ferguson. He’s a natural fit for an offense that values tight ends who can actually block—something that is becoming a bit of a lost art in the modern "Air Raid" era of college football.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Scouts:
- Watch the Preseason Snap Counts: If Neville is getting early reps on special teams, his chances of making the roster skyrocket.
- Focus on Red Zone Packages: His size and history at Harvard (where he was a go-to red zone target) make him a "sleeper" for short-yardage touchdowns.
- Follow the Practice Squad: Even if he’s waived during final cuts (which happened briefly in late 2025 according to some trackers), he is a prime candidate for a practice squad stash-and-develop role.
Tyler Neville isn't the fastest guy in the league, but he might be the hardest to break. In a sport built on attrition, that’s a hell of a floor to start from.
Next Steps for Following the Journey:
Keep a close eye on the Cowboys' official transaction wire during the late summer months. Because of his significant UDFA guarantee, the team has a financial incentive to give him a long look. You should also watch his performance in "contested catch" drills during open training camp sessions; this is where his Harvard-bred technique shines against NFL-level physicality.