Unpacking Future Packers: No. 31, Northwestern RB Evan Hull

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Northwestern running back Evan Hull.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers have their one-two punch at running back with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Now, Brian Gutekunst needs to find the third running back. 

A running back that Green Bay’s general manager could target on day three of the 2023 NFL Draft is Evan Hull. The Northwestern running back checks in at No. 31 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.

A three-star recruit out of Minnesota, Hull scored six rushing touchdowns during his first two seasons on campus. In 2021, Hull rushed for 1,009 yards and seven touchdowns. He also hauled in 33 receptions for 264 yards and two touchdowns. 

This past season, Hull rushed for 913 yards and five touchdowns. He added 546 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He led FBS running backs with 55 receptions. 

“Hull was the engine of what was a pretty dreadful Northwestern offense,” Ethan Segall, the managing editor of Inside NU said. “By far the best skill position player on the team, Hull was asked to do a ton in all phases of the offense. He had 20 or more touches in 8-of-12 games this season including a 30-carry game against Ohio State. Hull’s rushing numbers regressed slightly from 2021 in large part due to the one-note nature of Northwestern’s offense. Defenses were selling out to keep Hull in check without much threat of an aerial attack.”

The Northwestern running back is one of the best pass-catching backs in the 2023 NFL Draft. Over the past two seasons, Hull reeled in 88 receptions for 810 yards and four touchdowns. During that two-year span, Hull was targeted 108 times and had just four drops. 

“Hull is a true third down back,” Segall said. “Among running backs, Hull led the nation in both receptions and receiving yards. Against Duke, Hull had a whopping 14 receptions for 213 yards and a touchdown. His sharp route running and feel for open space make him a quarterback’s friend out of the backfield.”

Hull has soft, reliable hands. He snares the ball away from his frame like a wide receiver. Northwestern occasionally lined him up in the slot this past season. In pass protection, Hull shows good awareness and has the functional strength to thwart oncoming traffic. 

“One of the main things that often prevents young running backs from getting play time early is the inability to hold up in pass protection,” Segall said. “That won’t be the case for Hull. In his three-down role, Hull has ample experience in pass protection and should be a plus-player early on in his NFL career.”

Hull possesses good vision, with quick eyes to locate cutback lanes. He’s a patient runner and lets blocks develop. He has quick feet and is an instinctive runner. The Minnesota native has a strong lower body and has adequate contact balance, racking up 602 yards after contact (PFF). He’s more than capable of ripping off chunk plays, as he finished this past season with 14 runs of 15-plus yards. At the scouting combine, Hull clocked a 4.47 40-yard time. 

“Hull had solid testing at the NFL Combine, but won’t necessarily wow you with his pure athleticism like some of the other backs in this draft class,” Segall said. “His biggest strengths in the open field are his excellent field vision and his quick change of direction. He posted a strong number in the 3-Cone drill and showed off that quickness.”

Fit with the Packers

The Packers need to add a running back behind Jones and Dillon. With his ability as a receiving back, Hull could be the perfect complement to Jones and Dillon.

The Northwestern back also has limited experience returning kicks (nine attempts) and punts (one attempt). He finished his career with 120 special team snaps.

“Hull will probably have to prove his worth on special teams at first, but he has all the makings of a great special teams player while also having the skill set to earn the trust of his coaches early on in his career,” Segall said. “Hull held his own at the Senior Bowl and stood out for his fluidity and quickness, which is usually a strong indicator of success in the pros. Hull has improved every year and is worth a day three pick for just about any NFL squad looking to add to their running back room.”

Jones will turn 29 in December. Dillon is in the final year of his rookie contract. It’s safe to assume that at least one of them, maybe even both won’t be back next year. 

Working behind Jones and Dillon, Hull may not see much action during his rookie campaign. However, the NFL Draft is all about long-term projection and Hull has the tools to immediately make an impact as a pass-catching back for the Packers. 

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