Tag: Darrynton Evans

Will Tennessee Titans’ Darrynton Evans have surprise fantasy value?

Can Darrynton Evans produce fantasy-relevant numbers behind Derrick Henry?

Other than being Derrick Henry’s handcuff, will Tennessee Titans third-round pick Darrynton Evans have standalone fantasy football value in 2020?

When asked to pick a 2020 NFL Draft selection from the second round and beyond that could have surprise fantasy value this season, ESPN’s Field Yates named Evans as his choice.

The Titans are going to rely heavily upon Derrick Henry, but Evans is a unique change-of-pace option. In situations where Tennessee needs to pick up the pace, Evans should see a role.

Let’s take a closer look and see if Evans is in the right situation to be more than just a handcuff.

There’s precedent

In 2018, the Titans sported two fantasy-relevant running backs in Henry and Dion Lewis, as the pair finished as RB16 and RB28 in PPR (points-per-reception) leagues, per Fantasy Pros, and that was with Lewis’ role diminishing as the season went along.

That went by the wayside in 2019, but a lot of that had to do with Lewis simply being ineffective when given opportunities, which led to him being phased out of the offense almost completely.

Trust me, the Titans tried all they could to include Lewis before giving up on him to the point where fans were ripping the hair out of their heads, so that wasn’t just about Henry soaking up all the work.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Titans sport two fantasy-relevant running backs once again in 2020. As we’ve seen, there’s precedent for it thanks to the Titans’ run-heavy approach.

Is Evans a lock to be the No. 2?

Of course, before Evans can be considered as the main man to spell Henry, he’ll have to seize the No. 2 job in training camp.

Thankfully, he doesn’t have much in the way of competition for it right now, and it’s doubtful the Titans drafted him as early as they did to make him part of a committee behind Henry.

It would take a colossal failure on Evans’ part to not end up as the main backup who commands the snaps whenever Henry isn’t on the field.

On a side note: Evans is also expected to contribute at least a bit in the return game after being an electric returner in college, so he has added home-run appeal as a guy who could contribute a return touchdown at some point.

Is there enough touches behind Henry?

As we’ve already stated, the Titans have a run-heavy offense that can provide plenty of opportunities to multiple backs.

After a season in which he led the NFL in carries, partly because his backup option was ineffective, the Titans might look to at least somewhat lessen Henry’s workload in 2020.

If that does happen, Evans will be the biggest beneficiary as long as he can prove to be more effective with the ball in his hands than Lewis was and isn’t a liability in pass protection.

Despite all his issues, Lewis still averaged 3.3 carries per contest last season, so it’s reasonable to expect Evans will see at least a handful per game if he doesn’t have issues — and those carries will be behind an elite run-blocking offensive line.

And, thanks to his impressive 4.41 40-yard dash speed, Evans is explosive enough to make a significant impact with limited opportunities on the ground, especially behind a group upfront that routinely paved the way for Henry to rip off big gains in 2019.

On the surface, that doesn’t seem like a lot to hang your hat on when trying to argue that Evans could crack your starting lineup some weeks, but that isn’t the only part of the Titans’ offense he’s expected to impact.

With Henry’s shaky history as a pass-catcher, the Appalachian State product could also see a solid amount of work in the passing game, especially against teams with a stingy run defense that forces Tennessee to utilize its backs in the screen game more.

Now, the Titans’ screen game was a mess for much of 2019, but things steadily improved as the season went along. As a result, I’d expect the Titans to go back to using screens in 2020.

Evans didn’t see a ton of action as a pass-catcher out of the backfield in college with just 33 receptions in his last two seasons, however he did average an impressive 9.4 yards per reception and displayed good hands in his last year at Appalachian State.

If he can prove to have the chops in the passing game at the next level and the offensive line can continue to build on its strong 2019 finish in regard to blocking for screens, Evans could realistically see around 10 touches per game, which would be pretty good for a handcuff.

The verdict

Evans will have some FLEX appeal — particularly in deeper PPR leagues — thanks to being on a run-heavy team that could use him as the primary pass-catcher out of the backfield. This helps give him more value than most handcuffs can offer.

If you’re expecting Evans to be a weekly contributor with Henry healthy, you’ll be disappointed. This is going to be a situation in which you have to pick your spots.

The most ideal scenarios in which you’d insert him into your lineup will be in games where the Titans are expected to win big and run out the clock, or are facing a tough run defense.

At the very least, it’s worth rostering Evans as a handcuff to Henry, and he is an intriguing option as a standalone stash in dynasty formats with the Alabama product playing out the season on the franchise tag.

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What analysts said about Titans’ Darrynton Evans before 2020 NFL Draft

Check out the pre-draft scouting reports about Tennessee Titans running back, Darrynton Evans.

Coming into the offseason, one of the biggest needs the Tennessee Titans had was at running back, which became even more prominent after the team cut Dion Lewis early in the offseason.

Their solution for that need was drafting Appalachian State running back Darrynton Evans, who is a perfect change-of-pace option to complement Derrick Henry, in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

As much as Titans fans loved the pick, were experts as high on Evans prior to the draft? Let’s take a look.

Dane Brugler, The Athletic (Evans was his No. 8 running back):

SUMMARY: A two-year starter at Appalachian State, Evans was the featured runner in former head coach Eli Drinkwitz’s zone-heavy run scheme. Over his first two seasons, he returned kicks and bounced between running back and slot receiver on the depth chart before becoming the top running back midway through the 2018 season when Jalin Moore went down with an injury. Evans is a speedy, one-cut runner who feels openings, presses the hole and makes quick decisions to attack the second level. While competitive as a runner, he isn’t powerful and won’t be a high-volume yards-after-contact runner vs. NFL defenses. Overall, Evans might be limited by his lack of size and physicality, but he is a chug-to-daylight runner with excellent peripheral vision, projecting best as a complimentary outsize zone runner with kick return value.

GRADE: 3rd Round

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (Round 3 projection):

Slashing outside-zone runner with glide in his stride and ability to run with elusiveness and creativity. Evans is a little undersized and might be viewed as a change-of-pace option, but he appears to have the three-down skill set to handle committee carries. He can run with patience, but has the loose hips and agile feet to plant-and-go in a hurry. He sees the field and does a nice job of setting up and eluding tacklers with lateral cuts or stacked moves. While he’s confident in space, Evans lacks the commitment and finishing force to make a living inside the tackles. His third-down and kick-return versatility increases the likelihood that Evans will hear his name called in the middle rounds with a chance to become a solid RB2.

 

Joe Marino, The Draft Network:

Appalachian State running back Darryton Evans is an explosive runner with plenty of juice and wiggle that makes him a dangerous threat in space with home run hitting potential. He is an ideal complement to a stable of backs that is in need of a space player with return upside. With that said, his spotty vision and slow processing skills present some challenges forecasting him to a heavy workload that features touches as an inside runner. Condensed, heavy traffic areas reveal discomfort from Evans and his power to win through contact is modest. Big play potential is always a welcomed trait for an NFL team, but Evans doesn’t come without restrictions. 

Patrick Conn, Draft Wire:

The name of his game is speed. Evans has been rumored to have sub 4.4 speed, as low as 4.37 in the 40-yard dash. He can outrun defenses in a hurry. The speed is evident with his breakaway runs and on kickoff returns. Returned three kicks for touchdown with one being for 100 yards. Get the ball in his hands and let his athleticism take over. He will destroy any angles that defenders take.

He is also very good in the passing game as both a blocker and receiver. He can help out or chip on blocks and leak out. Once he gets the ball in his hands, he can make a defender miss with his quickness. Does a good job of tracking the ball in the air. Soft hands as a receiver.

Matt Miller, Bleacher Report:

Evans is a speed back with shifty open-field moves and good enough hands to be an immediate threat on third downs. He doesn’t have the between-the-tackles power to be an immediate starter for a power scheme, but he brings enough juice in zone schemes to get a long look as a north-south runner with long speed.

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Watch: Tennessee Titans wish moms a Happy Mother’s Day

A very special Mother’s Day message from the Tennessee Titans.

With Sunday being a special day, Tennessee Titans players recorded a video wishing all the moms out there a Happy Mother’s Day.

Included in the video are quarterback Ryan Tannehill, running back Darrynton Evans, defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons and safety Kevin Byard.

Each player not only thanked their own mothers, but all of those out there who make an incredible sacrifice to help guide their children in life.

Check it out.

From all of us at Titans Wire, we want to wish all the moms out there a very special Happy Mother’s Day. This is your day, so enjoy it!

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See it: 1st look at Darrynton Evans in a Titans uniform

Take a look at Darrynton Evans in a Titans uniform.

Thanks to the wonders of Photoshop, we can see what Tennessee Titans running back Darrynton Evans looks like in uniform.

Evans was taken by the Titans in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft and will hopefully be the running back to spell Derrick Henry this season, as well as contribute in the passing and return games.

Evans and the rest of the Titans rookies were recently assigned their numbers, and the Appalachian State product got the No. 32.

Here’s how he’ll look in his uniform.

The 21-year-old will be tasked with being the No. 2 back after the Titans cut Dion Lewis this offseason. The rookie will try to lessen the workload of Henry a bit, who led the NFL in carries last season en route to winning the rushing title.

Evans also offers versatility, as he was an electric returner in college. He’ll have ample opportunity to make an impact in Nashville in 2020.

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Projecting first-year roles for each of the Titans’ 2020 draft picks

What role will the Titans’ draft picks play during the 2020 season?

The coronavirus pandemic might end up forcing teams to cancel offseason programs, which would have a major impact on the development of the Tennessee Titans’ 2020 NFL Draft class.

It’s already difficult to foresee what roles rookies will play, but this potential reality only makes it more difficult.

With all that being said, we’re going to take a look at each Titans draft pick and try to project what they’ll be doing for the team in 2020.

Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

RT Isaiah Wilson

If Wilson is going to be a starter in 2020, he’s going to have to earn it. General manager Jon Robinson made it clear that Wilson will have to compete for the starting job with Dennis Kelly in training camp.

Until he wins that competition, we have to give the edge to Kelly, who has much more experience and knowledge of the Titans’ system. For now, we’re going to peg Wilson as a backup.

Projected role: Backup

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Watch: Titans’ 2020 NFL Draft picks introduce themselves to fans

Meet the Titans’ newest players.

The 2020 NFL Draft is officially complete for the Tennessee Titans, with the team making six picks in total over the course of three days.

And what a draft it was. General manager Jon Robinson filled multiple team needs on both sides of the ball, and the Titans now have an intriguing batch of new players to help take this team to the next level.

Here is every Titans draft pick making their introduction to fans.

First-round pick (No. 29), offensive tackle out of Georgia, Isaiah Wilson:

Second-round pick (No. 61), cornerback out of LSU, Kristian Fulton:

Third-round pick (No. 93), running back out of Appalachian State, Darrynton Evans:

Fifth-round pick (No. 174), defensive lineman out of N.C. State, Larrell Murchison:

Seventh-round pick (No. 224), quarterback out of Hawaii, Cole McDonald:

Seventh-round pick (No. 243), defensive back out of Marshall, Chris Jackson:

These rookies won’t have much time to get situated, though, as Tennessee’s virtual offseason program starts on Monday, April 27.

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Titans’ Darrynton Evans on backing up Derrick Henry, his role model, more

Darrynton Evans is excited to learn from Derrick Henry.

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The Tennessee Titans headed into the 2020 NFL Draft with a need for a running back to complement Derrick Henry.

The Team addressed that in the third round with the No. 93 overall pick, selecting former App State rusher Darrynton Evans.

Evans spoke about the prospect of backing up Derrick Henry in 2020 in a conference call on Friday night, per Jim Wyatt of Titans Online.

“(Derrick) is a big back, and he has some speed on him, too,” Evans said. “A lot of people, when they try and tackle him, they have to make a business decision on if they want to (hit) him high or hit him low. Add me to that, and I can change the pace of the game … if you need a quick play, any kind of explosive play, I feel like I can get the job done, and we can be a great combination. I feel like I can help take the load off (Derrick) a little bit and help add my twist to the game as well.

“He does a lot of great things, and I can’t wait to learn (from Derrick). I want to talk to him and pick his brain and just try and compete and be the best that we can be for the Titans.”

The Appalachian State product also explained what makes him a good back.

“The thing that helps me is my elusiveness and my speed,” Evans said. “I’m hard to tackle in the open field.”

Evans will be backing up and learning from one of the league’s best on the ground, but one player he’s always looked up to is former Minnesota Vikings running back Percy Harvin.

Like Harvin, Evans presents a versatile option that will help in both the passing and running game for the Titans.

Just because he’s watched a lot of Harvin doesn’t mean he hasn’t spent a lot of time looking at his new mentor’s film, though.

He’s also looked into the San Francisco 49ers’ Raheem Mostert and Christian McCaffrey of the Carolina Panthers.

Interestingly enough, Evans’ position coach in college was Garrett Riley, related to Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley.

Expect Evans to bring another dimension to the Titans offense in the upcoming 2020 season.

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Watch: Titans’ Jon Robinson makes draft calls to Kristian Fulton, Darrynton Evans

Watch the moment Jon Robinson told Kristian Fulton and Darrynton Evans they were the Titans’ pick.

One of the best parts about the 2020 NFL Draft is when you see the exact moment a prospect gets the call and is notified that he’ll be a team’s pick.

On Friday night, Tennessee Titans general manger Jon Robinson got to make that call twice.

The first was to LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton, the team’s second-round pick, and the second was to the team’s third-round pick, Appalachian State running back, Darrynton Evans.

Here’s a look at the call Robinson made to Fulton.

It’s likely Robinson couldn’t turn his pick in fast enough after the talented corner unexpectedly fell in his lap late in the second round.

And now, Robinson reaching out to Evans, who was another solid pick.

After two days of the draft, Robinson has successfully addressed some of the Titans’ biggest needs.

He added a right tackle of the future in Isaiah Wilson, a cornerback who checks multiple boxes in Fulton, and a running back who is a great complement to Derrick Henry.

Let’s see if Robinson has any magic left on Day 3.

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NFL Draft Grades 2020: Titans get rave reviews for Day 2 picks

What are the experts saying about the Titans’ Day 2 picks?

The Tennessee Titans are being widely praised for their Day 2 picks in the 2020 NFL Draft, and rightfully so, general manager Jon Robinson had quite the evening.

Granted, it took a little bit of luck to get there with LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton just falling in his lap, but he did follow that up with a solid pick in the third round with Appalachian State running back, Darrynton Evans.

Luke Easterling, Draft Wire

Fulton: A+

Evans: B-

Easterling calls Fulton one of the biggest steals of the draft, and he couldn’t be more right. The LSU corner was expected by many to go in the first round, and certainly not late in the second. He also likes the kind of complement Evans can be to Derrick Henry.

Chad Reuter, NFL.com

Day 2 Grade: A

Reuter didn’t grade each pick individually, but rather the entirety of the Titans’ Day 2. Here’s what he had to say about it.

Getting a starting cornerback in Fulton at No. 61 overall was a true value pick — a first-round talent taken late in Round 2 who addresses a critical position of need. Evans will complement Derrick Henry with pure speed in the run game and was picked roughly where I expected. You can’t help but like what Tennessee came away with on Friday night.

Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports

Fulton: A

Evans: B-

Like just about all of us, Trapasso couldn’t believe Fulton was actually still around at the point in the draft where the Titans took him. It’s still baffling how such a talented player could fall that far. Evans was also a plus pick in his eyes because he’s a nice complement to Henry.

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News

Fulton: A+

Evans: A

Let’s keep the good times rolling with these “A” grades. While it’s easy to give the Titans an “A” or better for Fulton, Iyer is actually giving one out for the Evans pick, also.

Here’s what he had to say about the Appalachian State back.

The Titans needed to have a better backup plan behind Derrick Henry after moving on from Dion Lewis. Evans (5-10, 203 pounds) is the perfect No. 2 for them (and a strong contingency should a long-term deal with Henry not work out for some reason). He is an explosive change of pace who can be an asset as a receiver and return man. Although he’s not meant to be a bruiser between the tackles, better suited to zip into the open field, Evans is also underrated as a finishing power back.

We couldn’t agree more.

Mike Tanier, Bleacher Report

Fulton: B+

Evans: C+

Someone just had to ruin the party, didn’t they? These grades are somewhat of an outlier and even Tanier’s colleague at B/R, Matt Miller, was a huge fan of the Titans’ picks. These were Miller’s reactions to each.

Enough said.

All the rest

Andy Benoit, SI | Fulton: B- | Evans: A

Doug Farrar, Touchdown Wire | Day 2 grade: B

Walter Football | Fulton: C | Evans: B+

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Watch: Highlights of Tennessee Titans’ new RB Darrynton Evans

Check out these highlights of Darrynton Evans from his days at Appalachian State.

If you want to get an idea of what kind of player the Tennessee Titans are getting in Appalachian State running back and third-round pick Darrynton Evans, look no further than his college highlights.

What you’ll see is a player who can impact a game both on the ground and through the air, as well as in the return game.

Any time the ball is in Evans’ hands, the man is simply electric and it’s clear he’s going to be the perfect complement to Derrick Henry.

Enjoy watching the Titans’ new toy in action.

Evans was one half of an incredibly successful day for Titans general manager Jon Robinson, who was also able to snag LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton in the second round.

The Titans have one more day of the 2020 NFL Draft left and will have four picks, with one in the fifth round and three in the seventh.

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