Tag: arkansas at pine bluff

Countdown to Kickoff: Mark Evans II is the Saints Player of Day 68

Countdown to Kickoff: Mark Evans II is the New Orleans Saints Player of Day 68. He needs to take a big step forward in his second season.

There are 68 days left until the New Orleans Saints start their 2024 regular season, which means the current owner of the No. 68 jersey is our Saints Player of the Day. That’s Mark Evans II, a second-year pro from Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The young offensive lineman must take a big step forward in Year 2 if he’s going to avoid being lost in the shuffle. Let’s get to know him better:

  • Name (Age): Mark Evans II (24)
  • Position: Offensive tackle/guard
  • Height, weight: 6-foot-4, 295 pounds
  • Relative Athletic Score: 3.62
  • 2024 salary cap hit: $795,000
  • College: Arkansas at Pine Bluff
  • Drafted: Undrafted in 2023 (New Orleans Saints)
  • NFL experience: 1 year

Evans received more guarantees in his rookie contract last year ($241,000) than any other undrafted free agent in the Saints’ 2023 or 2024 classes, including this year’s much-hyped tight end Dallin Holker ($235,000). He was asked to move inside after playing left tackle in college and tried out at both guard spots during the 2023 preseason, logging 31 snaps at right guard and 54 on the left side.

While he was waived during final roster cuts at the end of August, the Saints did initially re-sign Evans to their practice squad, only to waive him again on Sept. 4. He tried out for the Houston Texans on Sept. 12 and returned to New Orleans on Sept. 27. He was never called up from the practice squad for a regular season game, and it remains to be seen how the new offensive coaching staff feels about him. He didn’t participate in team drills at OTAs or minicamp while rehabbing an undisclosed injury.

So he needs to show a lot to make the cut this season. Whether he’s staying at guard or returning to tackle, Evans must do a better job protecting his  quarterback and reaching his marks on the run. There’s room on the depth chart for another young backup but he’ll need to prove he’s a better option for that role than someone like Josiah Ezirim (this year’s seventh-round pick), Nouri Nouili or Kyle Hergel (both undrafted rookies). As is the case for many linemen, we won’t have a great idea about his improvement until padded practices begin during training camp.

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Undrafted rookies Shaquan Davis, Mark Evans II hope to do their schools proud with the Saints

South Carolina State WR Shaquan Davis and Arkansas-Pine Bluff OL Mark Evans II are two must-watch Saints undrafted rookies from HBCU programs, via @southexclusives:

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The New Orleans Saints have never been afraid to dip their toe into the undrafted free agent pool. Sometimes, they’ll even dive head first into it. As of recent, their fondness of undrafted free agents can most easily be seen, but not limited, to defensive tackle. The most prominent undrafted free agents from last year were wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, offensive lineman Lewis Kidd, and defensive back Smoke Monday.

Two undrafted players to watch this year come from the HBCU ranks: South Carolina State wide receiver Shaquan Davis and Arkansas-Pine Bluff offensive lineman Mark Evans. They both stand a chance to make the roster like Shaheed. Let’s look at what they bring to the table.

Both players bring heavy contract guarantees to the table. Davis comes in tied with Vanderbilt linebacker Anfernee Orji for the second-most guaranteed money given out to Saints undrafted free agents. This just shows the level of investment put into these players early. Davis was the lead receiver for the Bulldogs for the past two seasons. Everybody knew where the ball was going in important moments and still couldn’t stop him.

Davis was a dominant force in the MEAC, leading the conference in yards. Standing at 6-foot-5, you’d be surprised at how well he stretches the field vertically. He averaged 20 yards per catch in each of the last two seasons. He has also showcased the ability to rise to the occasion. In the 2021 Celebration Bowl, Davis had his national breakout game against Jackson State while scoring 3 touchdowns and winning MVP recognition in the bowl game.

Evans is the highest-paid undrafted free agent in this year’s class. He was arguably the most dominant offensive lineman in the SWAC for the last two seasons. He went undrafted likely because of poor size (by NFL standards) and athletic testing. Don’t worry, his film with pads on was more impressive than his drills in just shorts.

He spent his collegiate career as a left tackle but will likely move inside to left guard because of size limitations. He played guard at the East-West Shrine Bowl and looked like he possessed good mobility and an ability to get to the second level of the defense. He might need a year to develop into his new position. That’s expected and not an issue because he likely wouldn’t play until next year anyway. With Doug Marrone’s coaching, Evans could turn into one of the players vying to replace Andrus Peat in 2024 or a valuable utility lineman at another spot.

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