Tag: Akayleb Evans

Here’s a look at the full Vikings 2022 NFL draft class

The Vikings’ 2022 draft class is set

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s first draft as Vikings general manager is being treated with mixed reviews.

Many are happy with the way he worked the board and addressed specific needs for the team. But some were turned off by the in-division trades and decision to pass on some of the marquee players in the draft.

Sure, there were some questionable trades in the beginning, but Adofo-Mensah did a great job of making up for those deals with solid draft selections.

He addressed the shoddy defensive backfield with multiple players, increased the offensive line depth, boosted the defensive front and added a few skilled position players. From that perspective alone, it’s safe to say it was a productive debut for a first-time GM.

Here is the Vikings 2022 draft class.

Instant analysis of Vikings trading up for Akayleb Evans

Physically-gifted Akayleb Evans is a solid in-house project for the Vikings.

Did anyone really think general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah wasn’t going to address the defensive side of the ball in the 2022 NFL draft?

The Minnesota Vikings general manager has basically acknowledged offense is the team’s bread and butter with four of his first five selections coming on the defensive side of the ball. Missouri cornerback Akayleb Evans was the pick at No. 118 after a trade with the Cleveland Browns.

The trade sent the 156th pick of the draft, along with a future fourth-rounder in 2023, to Cleveland so the Vikings could continue to bolster their defensive backfield.

Standing at 6-foot-2 and 197 pounds, Evans has the prototypical size to jam up receivers and contest passes at the high point. The biggest problem has been his injury history. He has only played in more than nine games once in a college season.

After transferring from Tulsa to the University of Missouri, he compiled 28 tackles, one interception and six pass deflections in the tougher SEC division.

Along with availability concerns, Evans clearly needs to work on his footwork. The physical gifts are all there, but his overall technique could use some cleaning up.

However, he’s still a great in-house project for a cornerback-needy room that already has Patrick Peterson, Andrew Booth Jr., Chandon Sullivan and Cameron Dantzler.

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2022 NFL draft: Vikings trade up to take CB Akayleb Evans

The Vikings get another defensive back.

The Minnesota Vikings are continuing to stockpile defensive players on day three of the 2022 NFL draft by trading up and taking cornerback Akayleb Evans in the fourth round.

A Missouri transfer, Evans finished his 2021 college season with 28 tackles, one interception and six pass deflections.

The trade was with the Cleveland Browns in exchange for the No. 156 overall pick of this year’s draft and a future fourth-rounder in 2023.

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10 CBs the Colts should target in the NFL draft

Here are 10 CBs the Colts should target in the draft.

Ahead of the 2022 NFL draft, the Indianapolis Colts made some big moves at the cornerback position.

The first move came in the form of trading away Rock Ya-Sin to the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving a void that appeared to make the position among the top needs going into the draft.

Then, the Colts made their splash signing in free agency by bringing in Stephon Gilmore on a two-year deal. That certainly helps improve the status of the room, but the position is still a sneaky need for the Colts.

Because they have a solid quartet of cornerbacks, the Colts may take the approach of long-term development with high upside when it comes to drafting a prospect. Given the depth in the draft, that could come anywhere on Days 2 and 3.

Here are 10 cornerback prospects the Colts should target in the draft:

Be sure to check out our articles on other positions ahead of the draft:

  • 10 wide receivers to consider on Day 2 (link)
  • 4 offensive tackles to consider on Day 2 (link)
  • 9 tight ends to target in the draft (link)

Mock Draft Watch: Dane Brugler revamps Lions defense in 7 round mock

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler introduces his 7 round mock draft and provides the Detroit Lions with strong core players

The NFL draft is just a couple of weeks away, and everyone is trying to finalize what each team could do, which means mock drafts are plentiful. The latest mock draft comes from one of the most respected draft minds in the industry, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, who recently released his annual draft guide “The Beast,” which is highly recommended.

He gives a crack at the possible draft haul for each team in his seven-round mock, and below are the players he decided to bestow to the Detroit Lions.

2: Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia
32: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
34: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
66: Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin
97: Akayleb Evans, CB, Missouri
177: Malcolm Rodriguez, LB, Oklahoma State
181: Haskell Garrett, DT, Ohio State
217: Chris Paul, OT/G, Tulsa
234: Trestan Ebner, RB, Baylor

Walker has seen his draft skyrocket after he showcased his superior athletic traits and his versatility skillset along the defensive line, making him a popular selection lately for the Lions. Many have doubts due to his limited production, but considering how stacked the Georgia defense was, that is something that shouldn’t be a knock against him. He can be the type of player that can be a cornerstone player for the Lions defense for years to come.

Even the Lions have brought back nearly their entire receiving corps from last year, along with the addition of D.J. Chark; it shouldn’t take them out of the running for a receiver, hence Dotson’s selection. We have seen Dotson mocked to the Lions numerous times for a very good reason. He is another versatile player maker that can line up anywhere at receiver and be equally productive. He will fit right in with the Lions offense with his strong route-running ability and ball skills.

If there is any position the Lions must address in the draft is safety, they cannot walk away from the draft without potentially upgrading the position. The Lions did resign Tracy Walker and just signed DeShon Elliot, but the addition of Lewis Cine gives the Lions a three-headed monster in the deep field that will give opposing offenses fits. He is one of those do-it-all players that cover and defend the run, making him an excellent chess piece.

Brugler decides to give the Lions two linebackers in Chenal and Rodriguez and continues the trend of revamping the defense. Chenal is not the most fine-tuned linebacker in the class, but he makes up for it with his downhill thumper mentality and diagnoses plays on the fly. Rodriguez led Oklahoma State in tackles for three straight years after moving from safety to linebacker. He doesn’t have the ideal length for some teams at linebacker, but his football instincts are very strong, and he has a toughness that fits in with the culture Detroit is trying to build.

Evans brings a unique blend of athleticism and versatility due to his blend of superior length and speed that can make him an asset in the secondary. He may not have plays that some teams like, but this combination makes him an enticing prospect. Garrett was highly regarded coming out of high school, but unfortunately, he couldn’t put everything as many wanted to at Ohio State. He needs to improve his pass rush arsenal but can be quick in and out of blocks, has some strong burst, and can be a rotational piece.

We flip the script with the last two picks and address the offense with the selections of Paul and Ebner. You can never have enough versatile linemen, and that is exactly what Paul brings to the table. He played mostly left tackle at Tulsa, but he projects better as a guard due to his lack of movement skills. Ebner is the type of player the Lions can develop into an offensive weapon with his pass-catching ability and special team’s prowess. He won’t make strictly off just running backs but provides a set of skills that make him a dangerous player.

7-Round mock draft 5.0: Vikings trade up for elite talent

The Vikings come out swinging aggressively in this week’s 7-round mock draft

Mock drafts are such a fun exercise because they give you an opportunity to explore different and unique scenarios. The NFL Draft isn’t as cut and dry as most mock drafts will lead you to believe.

In the first four drafts, we took different approaches. From trading down for a receiver to taking an edge rusher, there is are myriad of options for the Vikings.

This week’s seven-round mock draft continues to shake things up a bit, while answering one question: What happens if Kyle Hamilton falls?

7-Round mock draft 4.0: Vikings make pass rush central focus

Vikings 7-round mock draft 3.0: Za’Darius Smith signing changes things

Vikings 7-round mock draft 2.0: Kirk Cousins’ extension changes things

Vikings 7-round mock draft: Will Minnesota take a different approach?

Cardinals have eye on Missouri CB Akayleb Evans

The Cardinals had their defensive backs coaches present at Missouri’s pro day to scout the 6-2 cornerback.

The Arizona Cardinals, like all NFL teams, are doing prep work for the NFL draft next month. They have their eye on an intriguing cornerback prospect.

According to Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network, the Cardinals were one of three teams with defensive backs coaches (for the Cardinals, that would likely have been both Marcus Robertson and Greg Williams) present at Missouri’s pro day to watch cornerback Akayleb Evans.

Evans has the ideal build for an NFL boundary cornerback. He is 6-2 and 197 lbs, and has speed and athleticism. He ran the 40 at the combine in 4.46 seconds, and he posted a 36-in vertical leap and a 10-9 broad jump.

Evans played four seasons for Tulsa before transferring to Missouri. In 2021 for the Tigers, he had 28 tackles, an interception, six pass breakups and two forced fumbles.

He is not one of the top cornerback prospects. He will probably be a Day 3 pick, but the Cardinals have five selections in the final two rounds of the draft, so if he is still on the board, he will be a name to watch.

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2022 Senior Bowl: 4 potential Chargers CB/WR who stood out from Day 1

Identifying four wide receivers and cornerbacks who stood out on the first day of Senior Bowl practices.

The first day of Senior Bowl practices is in the books and the buzz around certain prospects has already reached a fever pitch.

Here are four players the Chargers could target across the wide receiver and cornerback positions that exceeded expectations on Tuesday.

WR – Christian Watson, NDSU
An unmistakable figure standing at 6’4” as he towered over the rest of the National wide receiver group, Watson was hard to miss as the first day of Senior Bowl practices kicked off. The small school product quickly commanded all the eyes in the stadium as he displayed uncanny quickness off the line, sunk into his cuts with ease, and shot away from defenders. 

In the one-on-one period, Watson excelled in a variety of areas. He distanced himself with smooth routes, made catches away from his frame, and relished in blocking duties when on the field for run plays. Watson also recorded the fifth-highest speed at the practice, clocking in at 20.71 miles per hour. Expect eyes to remain on him throughout the week after the strong showing.

WR – Calvin Austin III, Memphis
A day after his height was confirmed to be two inches shorter than expected, the 5’7” Austin put on a clinic as he put his top-end jets to the test against the American team’s premier cornerback talent. One of the fastest players in the draft, Austin became a lightning bolt off the line and cooked overeager opponents attempting to squash him in press coverage. When given a free release, Austin flashed by his opponent and generated large gaps of separation with his speed. It was a tough day for the receivers competing against the likes of Roger McCreary, Mario Goodrich, and Derion Kendrick all afternoon. However, Austin was the one threat that stood out and consistently threatened vertical.

CB – Coby Bryant, Cincinnati
In his black uniform and red pants, Bryant looked like he was suited up for another game with the Bearcats and he enjoyed a comfortable day holding his own under the lights of Hancock-Whitney stadium. Bryant looked calm, fluid, and dominant against every receiver he lined up across. The traits that made him the Jim Thorpe Award winner traveled with him to Mobile, and he nearly intercepted Nevada quarterback Carson Strong on a deep ball during 7-on-7 drills. Often overlooked in favor of the flashy resume of Ahmad Gardner, Bryant has carved a reputation of his own right as one of the Senior Bowl’s must-watch prospects in the secondary.

CB – Akayleb Evans, Missouri
Evans had made an impact as one of the biggest surprises of the Senior Bowl so far, standing out among a crowded American cornerback room. He was a standout defending the American team receivers in press coverage as he accurately landed strikes as a physical presence at the line of scrimmage. Evans was able to turn and run easily and did not allow much breathing room as he blanketed his assignments downfield. After practice, Evans was presented with the Alabama Power Community Service Award for his time spent giving back to others and the efforts of his foundation, which provides scholarships for high school students from Evan’s hometown.

Tulsa transfer cornerback Akayleb Evans announces top five schools

If Sarkisian has taught us anything early on, acquiring more talent is necessary. Tulsa’s Akayleb Evans included UT in his top five schools.

Cornerback returns a ton of experience for Pete Kwiatkowski and Terry Joseph. D’Shawn Jamison and Josh Thompson are expected to be lockdown cornerbacks, while Chris Adimora will be entering his second season at nickel.

However, if Steve Sarkisian has taught us anything during his first sixth months, acquiring more talent is never a bad thing. Despite having two potential preseason All-Big 12 cornerbacks, another elite-level player could be entering the program.

When Tulsa cornerback Akayleb Evans entered the transfer portal, he quickly received 16 offers. On Sunday, the McKinney, Texas native trimmed his list down to five schools. Jackson State, Missouri, Notre Dame, Texas, and Texas Tech remain in the hunt.

Evans played in nine games last season, totaling 29 tackles and a sack. In pass coverage, the cornerback had three passes defended. No interceptions are on Evans’ resume quite yet.

After suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in 2019, Evans earned a medical hardship. Add on COVID-19 and the graduate still has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Playing time may not be imminent in Austin going into the 2021 season but a mass exodus is expected at defensive back after the year. Evans would have the opportunity to be a starter in Sarkisian’s second season.

Should Ohio State football make an effort for Akayleb Evans?

Tulsa cornerback Akayleb Evans has entered the transfer portal and Ohio State should be looking his way. Here’s why.

Shaun Wade is gone and the cornerback position wasn’t exactly lockdown even with him in the lineup last season. Ohio State is known as Defensive Back University (or B.IA. if you will), but last year the unit was worked over by Alabama and Clemson, but it also didn’t exactly shine against Indiana or Penn State.

As of today, Sevyn Banks seems to have one corner spot looked down, with Lathan Ransom, Ryan Watts, and others duking it out for more playing time. There is some athleticism there with some serious upside, but they are not quite Jeff Okudah, Damon Arnette, or Denzel Ward. The corner position is clearly not the strong point of the defense at this point, and it would not be shocking to see Ryan Day and company keep an eye on the always fluid transfer portal.

There was a ton of hype around the possible addition of former Tennessee linebacker, Henry To’oto’o from the portal, but with Dallas Gant and Teradja Mitchell patiently waiting for their turns it was unlikely. That plus the fact the Buckeyes appear to be moving towards more of a two linebacker system with the inclusion of the hybrid Bullet position.

A real difference-maker for this defense would be a dynamic, consistent and long shutdown corner. It just so happens that one of the most dominant corners in the AAC has entered the transfer portal today. Akayleb Evans is a 6-foot, 2-inch corner from Tulsa with 14 starts, 53 tackles, and 8 pass deflections under his belt.

Anyone who follows the NFL draft is aware of first-round selectin Zaven Collins, but Evans was a star as well and many thought he would declare after his dominant 2020 season. He is obviously very long and has squared up against top-level competition like new Baltimore Ravens receiver Tylan Wallace.

Akayleb Evans also shined against Texas in 2018 and was named to PFF’s team of the week for his shutdown performance. At the end of the day the Buckeyes can always use more speed and physicality at the cornerback position and it would be insane not to look into adding Evans.

Whether the coaching staff does it or not remains to be seen. But with all the issues at that spot on last season’s team, any and all options should be on the table, including adding personnel from the transfer portal.

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