In the competitive NFL world, the draft often overshadows the impactful players who go undrafted but still carve out meaningful careers.
One such story emerging from the 2025 NFL Draft is that of Tyler Neville, a tight end from the University of Virginia, who signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent (UDFA).
Despite being overlooked during the draft’s seven rounds, Neville’s journey, physical traits, and raw potential have made him a prospect worth watching.
Neville signed a three-year, $2,975,000 undrafted free agent contract with the Cowboys, which includes a $10,000 signing bonus and $100,000 guaranteed.
This notable financial investment suggests the Cowboys see real upside in the 6’4”, 248-pound tight end.
This move signals not only an opportunity for Neville but also a testament to his perseverance and potential to surprise the NFL.
Early Life and Overcoming Adversity
Tyler Nevill’s story is nothing short of inspirational.
Born deaf, he underwent multiple surgeries as a child to restore his hearing, an early chapter in what would become a life defined by resilience.
Unlike many athletes whose obstacles begin and end on the field, Neville’s challenges started at birth. Yet, rather than hindering his progress, they helped forge a mindset rooted in perseverance.
While attending high school in Massachusetts, Neville was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a life-threatening form of cancer. At just 16 years old, he began undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
Where most would have stepped away from the field, Neville continued to participate in athletics, refusing to let cancer define his identity or steal his dreams.
That experience solidified his drive. He had this to say about his life story:
“My story is one of perseverance. My purpose each day was to push through the hard times in order to enjoy the good times. I think perseverance can be everyone’s story…it just depends on how we respond to adversity”.
His battle against cancer became a defining moment that shaped his work ethic, mental toughness, and leadership. These qualities make him a valuable asset in the locker room.
Neville’s personal triumphs off the field have earned him admiration beyond the stat sheet. During his time at Harvard, he received the prestigious Nason Award for Courage and Sportsmanship, which recognized his inspirational journey and character.
Collegiate Career: From the Ivy League to the ACC
Neville began his college football journey at Harvard University, where he played for three seasons.
While the Ivy League doesn’t often receive the spotlight of the Power Five conferences, Neville stood out with his physicality, route-running, and natural hands.
He accumulated over 600 receiving yards and scored eight touchdowns during his time with the Crimson, helping elevate Harvard’s offensive versatility and serving as a go-to target in the red zone.
After earning his undergraduate degree, Neville sought greater exposure and tougher competition.
He transferred to the University of Virginia for his final year of NCAA eligibility, stepping into the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). A leap that offered a chance to test his skills against elite defenses.
During the 2024 season with the Cavaliers, Neville posted 37 receptions for 394 yards and two touchdowns.
These numbers, while not eye-popping, don’t fully capture his impact.
He consistently demonstrated a strong catch radius, good body control in tight windows, and the ability to block both in-line and in space.
He showed adaptability in Virginia’s pro-style offense, which often required tight ends to take on complex assignments, something NFL scouts appreciate.
Catching two touchdown passes against Wake Forest and his pass protection showed his versatility, as he is both a serviceable receiver and a capable blocker.
Those skills are what make Neville a compelling NFL project.
Fit with the Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have made a habit of unearthing gems from undrafted rookies, and Tyler Nevill could be the next in line.
The current depth chart features starter Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker, a second-round pick from Michigan in 2023. However, behind them, there is room for movement, with the third tight end spot up for grabs.
Neville enters a favorable situation where he can compete immediately.
His size, frame, and background make him a natural fit for an offense that values tight ends’ contributions in both the passing and running games.
The Cowboys’ offense under new Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer should be similar to 2024’s offense and deploy 12-personnel formations where Schottenheimer values positional flexibility.
In that sense, Neville could become an asset not just as a receiving target but as an extra blocker in short-yardage and red zone packages.
Neville also profiles as an immediate contributor on special teams, which is often the key for undrafted players to secure a roster spot.
His high football IQ, experience in multiple systems, and willingness to do the dirty work put him in a strong position to impress during training camp and preseason action.
Scouting Report: Strengths and Areas for Growth
Strengths:
- Toughness and Grit: Neville’s life experiences have made him mentally unshakable, a trait NFL coaches prize.
- Reliable Hands: Rarely drops passes and excels in contested catch situations. He caught 6 of 14 contested targets for 43% and 68.5% of his targets overall in 2024.
- Blocking Ability: Has shown promise as both an in-line and move blocker, capable of sealing edges.
- Versatility: Comfortable playing as a traditional tight end or flexed out in the slot. Had 49.3% in-line, 46.5% of his snaps in the slot, and 2.2% out wide.
- Special Teams Potential: Willing to contribute wherever needed, increasing his chances of making the 53-man roster.
Areas for Improvement:
- Top-End Speed: While he has a decent burst off the line, he lacks elite straight-line speed.
- Refined Route Running: Needs to polish his breaks and separation skills at the top of routes.
- NFL Experience: Coming from Harvard and UVA, he hasn’t regularly faced the speed of NFL defenses, and adjustment time will be key.
Outlook: A Player to Watch in Training Camp
Tyler Neville’s path to the NFL has never been traditional, but it’s precisely that journey that may make him successful in Dallas.
His story, marked by personal trials and academic and athletic excellence, mirrors the traits NFL teams look for when building depth with developmental upside.
As training camp approaches, Neville will have a chance to prove himself against NFL-caliber talent and earn a spot on the Cowboys’ roster, or, at a minimum, the practice squad.
His ability to contribute across multiple phases, offense and special teams, adds to his value as a developmental prospect.
Nevill has been overcoming odds his entire life.
Making the Cowboys roster as an undrafted rookie may be his next big challenge, but if history tells us anything, it’s that betting against him is a mistake.
Tyler Neville’s Story Is Not Over
Tyler Neville’s story is more than just a football narrative; it’s a tale of resilience, ambition, and heart.
From beating cancer to excelling in the Ivy League and now landing with one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, Neville is the type of player fans rally behind and coaches root for.
While he may not have been a household name during the draft, he now has the chance to become one in Dallas as an undrafted rookie.
Keep an eye on Neville this; his journey is far from over, and it might just be one of the NFL’s best underdog stories in 2025.