[sendtonews_embed video_id=”xHvkFbcDpz-710122-7498″]
The Green Bay Packers must use the 2020 NFL Draft to provide the finishing touches on a team that won 13 regular-season games and got within one game of the Super Bowl during Matt LaFleur’s first season as head coach.
Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect fitting the Packers’ roster needs.
Up next is Appalachian State running back Darrynton Evans:
What he can do
– Quickness just jumps off the tape. Instant burst. Allows him to press the line of scrimmage immediately. Quickness trait provides escape route
– On the smaller side. Only 203 pounds. Teams will worry about every-down availability
– Glider in the open field. It’s fun to watch him navigate turns without losing speed. Such a balanced runner
– Cutback ability is impressive. Knows how to press horizontally in zone, find/create the running lane and hit it without hesitation. Will cut it all the way back when defense overflows. Easy fit in zone scheme
– Scored 23 touchdowns in 2019, including 18 rushing. Despite size, he finishes near the end zone
– Hit a bunch of home runs. Produced 11 runs over 50 yards in 2018 and 2019. Ran 4.41 in the 40-yard dash
– Not going to run anyone over at the next level. His game isn’t about power
– Has a nice little juke move in the open field. Produced a lot of diving missed tackles
– Can be really patient when working into the second level. Allows blocks to set up. Plays fast but isn’t in a rush
– Caught 36 passes over his final two seasons. Wasn’t heavily targeted in the offense but looks natural catching the football. Legit potential for impact as a receiver at the next level
– No worries about ball security. Didn’t have a fumble over final 27 games as junior and senior
– Returned 56 kickoffs over three years. Scored touchdowns of 94 and 100 yards on returns. Also returned an onside kick for a score. Three total return touchdowns
– High batting average on third-and-short and fourth-and-short
How he fits
If the Packers are worried about losing Aaron Jones, or don’t want to pay him big bucks on a long-term deal, Evans could be the ideal long-term replacement. Their playstyles and skillsets are eerily similar. With terrific acceleration and one-cut ability, Evans is a nice fit in the outside zone run scheme employed in Green Bay. He’s also a factor as a receiver out of the backfield and can return kicks. If drafted by the Packers, Evans could be eased into action as a rookie before taking on a much bigger role in 2021, particularly if Jones and/or Williams depart after the 2020 season. Evans looks like a future NFL starter.
NFL comp
Aaron Jones. Like Jones, Evans is smaller, but his combination of burst, vision and creativity as a slashing runner is intoxicating. They both just glide across the field, with the quickness and ease within turns and jukes to weave around defenders. If you love Aaron Jones, you’ll love Darrynton Evans.
Where Packers could get him
Jones went in the fifth round in 2017. Expect Evans to come off the board earlier. He looks like one of the best running backs in the second tier at the position. It will be difficult for the Packers to use a Day 2 pick on a running back, but Evans would be a steal at any time on Day 3.
Previous Prospects for the Pack
WR Tee Higgins
LB Kenneth Murray
LB Patrick Queen
WR Jalen Reagor
WR Justin Jefferson
TE Harrison Bryant
WR Denzel Mims
WR Brandon Aiyuk
WR/TE Chase Claypool
LB Zack Baun
LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
OT Josh Jones
OT Austin Jackson
S Antoine Winfield Jr.
DL Raekwon Davis
DB Xavier McKinney
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
DL A.J. Epenesa
TE Hunter Bryant
RB Jonathan Taylor
RB Zack Moss
WR Michael Pittman
WR K.J. Hamler
WR John Hightower
LB Jordyn Brooks
LB Troy Dye
LB Willie Gay Jr.
OT Jack Driscoll
WR Devin Duvernay
OT Ezra Cleveland
WR Van Jefferson
OT Andrew Thomas
S Grant Delpit
TE Cole Kmet
OT Tristan Wirfs
QB Jordan Love
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
DB Jeremy Chinn
RB/WR Antonio Gibson
DL Jordan Elliott
DB K’Von Wallace
WR Bryan Edwards
DL Ross Blacklock
LB Logan Wilson
DL Justin Madubuike
RB Cam Akers
LB Malik Harrison