The Cowboys are signing Virginia TE Tyler Neville as a UDFA, per Ryan Fowler.
The Dallas Cowboys have added another promising prospect to their roster, signing Virginia tight end Tyler Neville as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) following the 2025 NFL Draft, according to Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report. Neville, a 6-foot-4, 248-pound tight end, brings a blend of receiving ability and blocking prowess to a Cowboys tight end room already brimming with young talent.
Neville’s College Career and Skill Set
Tyler Neville, a Williamsburg, Virginia native, began his collegiate career at Harvard, where he earned accolades as a two-time First Team All-Ivy League selection and a 2023 AFCA FCS Coaches’ First Team All-American. During his three seasons with the Crimson, Neville caught 62 passes for 698 yards and eight touchdowns, showcasing his reliability as a pass-catcher while contributing to Harvard’s top-tier rushing offense. In 2023, he helped block for the Ivy League’s No. 1 rushing attack, demonstrating his versatility as a run blocker.
After transferring to Virginia for the 2024 season, Neville continued to make an impact. He recorded 37 receptions for 394 yards and two touchdowns, including a career-high seven catches for 64 yards against Louisville and a two-touchdown performance in a thrilling 31-30 win over Wake Forest. His efforts earned him the 2024 Jim Daves Media Award and recognition as one of Virginia’s Offensive Impact Players at the team’s postseason banquet. Neville’s ability to eclipse the 1,000-yard career receiving mark highlights his consistency and durability.
Scouting reports praise Neville as a tough, reliable player with solid run-blocking skills and decent overall ability in the passing game. According to a Hula Bowl scouting report by Mike Bey, Neville exhibits sufficient football intelligence, finding soft spots in zone coverage, and possesses adequate athleticism with solid explosiveness and change-of-direction ability. His experience as both an inline and slot tight end in Virginia’s gap/zone blocking scheme adds to his versatility.
Fit with the Cowboys
The Cowboys’ tight end group is led by Jake Ferguson, a proven starter, with Luke Schoonmaker and Peyton Hendershot also in the mix. Neville joins fellow UDFA Brevyn Spann-Ford, another tight end signed by Dallas, in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive position group. According to reports, Neville’s UDFA deal includes a $10,000 signing bonus and $90,000 in guaranteed base salary, signaling the Cowboys’ belief in his potential to compete for a roster spot.
Neville’s signing aligns with Dallas’ strategy of bolstering their roster with versatile, high-upside players in the UDFA market. His size, catch radius, and blocking ability make him a candidate to contribute on special teams and as a depth piece, particularly in run-heavy packages. Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy emphasized the value of players with Neville’s prototype build (6-4, 248 pounds), noting their importance in special teams roles like kickoff coverage under the NFL’s new rules.
Path to the Roster
The Cowboys have a strong track record of developing undrafted free agents, with players like Tony Romo, Miles Austin, and more recently, T.J. Bass and Hunter Luepke, making significant contributions. However, Neville faces a steep challenge to secure a spot on the 53-man roster given the depth at tight end. His performance during rookie minicamp, OTAs, and training camp will be critical, particularly on special teams, where his physicality and athleticism could stand out.
Analysts suggest Neville’s best path may be earning a practice squad role, where he can refine his skills and potentially develop into a rotational player. His experience as a run blocker and red-zone threat could make him a valuable asset in specific situations, especially if he continues to improve his pass-catching consistency.
What’s Next for Neville
As Neville embarks on his NFL journey, his story as a cancer survivor and a leader on and off the field adds an inspiring dimension to his profile. His high school coach, Thad Linn, described him as an elite receiver who catches anything near him and a player who elevates those around him. Neville’s resilience and work ethic will serve him well as he competes for a spot with America’s Team.
The Cowboys’ UDFA class, which includes 12 players, reflects their aggressive approach to finding talent after the draft. Neville’s signing, alongside other additions like Spann-Ford, Denzel Daxon, and Corey Crooms, underscores Dallas’ commitment to building a competitive roster with depth and potential.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Tyler Neville to see if he can translate his college production and intangibles into an NFL opportunity with the Dallas Cowboys.