Tag: Darrynton Evans

Report: RB Darrynton Evans had pre-draft interview with Bills

According to CBS Sports, Darrynton Evans could be that guy. The outlet reports that the Bills have a virtual pre-draft meeting Evans in lieu of an actual meeting due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic:

The 2020 NFL Draft looks like it could be a perfect stomping ground for the Buffalo Bills to add a complementary piece next to running back Devin Singletary.

According to CBS Sports, Darrynton Evans could be that guy. The outlet reports that the Bills had a virtual pre-draft meeting with Evans in lieu of an actual meeting due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic:

Evans is an under-the-radar prospect having attended Appalachian State. But he fits the mold many speculate the Bills could add. Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane recently said that the Bills played Frank Gore over TJ Yeldon last season because of his size. Evans has that type of size at 5-foot-10 and 203 pounds. To really reach Gore’s size, Evans could stand to bulk up a bit more, but he’s already taller than the vet, at least.

In addition to that size comes some speed. Evans ran the second-fastest 40 time at the recent combine, a 4.41 second clip. He also had the fifth-best broad jump among running backs, 125 inches.

The junior average 6.0 yards per carry in his college career, including a 5.8 average in 2019. Last year he also flashed as a receiver adding 21 catches. In total, Evans had a massive 23 scores in 14 games last season. That combines with zero total fumbles in 482 total carries in his college career.

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Colts’ NFL draft preview: Running backs

Previewing the RBs for the Colts.

The Indianapolis Colts are preparing for the quickly-approaching 2020 NFL draft where there are some thoughts about them adding to the running back position.

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Starter: Marlon Mack — signed through 2020
Backup: Nyheim Hines — signed through 2021
Level of need: Low
Cap investment: $5.34 million (25th in NFL)

Quick review

The Colts have a solid stable of running backs with Mack, Hines and Jordan Wilkins. Mack’s situation is interesting as he enters a contract year. He would be worth a decent extension, but it seems the Colts have a bit of hesitancy in getting a deal done right now.

This could lead the Colts to draft a running back while staying young and cheap at the position but still adding talent for now and the future.

Draft Preview

Draft Wire Running Back Rankings

Best Fit: Zack Moss, Utah

There are a lot of strong running back prospects that the Colts could consider. From a fit standpoint, Moss might be one of the best for Indy. He works perfectly with their zone-based blocking scheme, excelling both in inside and outside zone concepts. He shows great balance and has a competitive edge that makes him tough to bring down. The biggest concerns are his injury history and his lack of top-end speed but if his medicals check out, he’d be a great addition to the backfield now and for the future.

Prospect to Avoid: A.J. Dillon, Boston College

As the Colts like to run both zone and power blocking concepts, Dillon is likely best suited for a team that wants him to get north and south quickly. He’s a behemoth of a back who doesn’t see a lot of work on third downs. He runs tough but is likely better suited for a team that prefers to run mostly power and man blocking schemes.

Sleeper Prospect: Darrynton Evans, Appalachian State

The stock is rising quickly on Evans, who could be one of the steals at the position in the draft. He’s a perfect fit for the Colts in their zone-blocking scheme while making defenders miss with ease. He brings top-end speed and elusiveness to the position while also showing a knack for the receiving game. He might lack size or power, but Evans would be a strong fit behind the Colts offensive line.

Most likely selections to use on a running back: Nos. 75, 122, 160, 193, 197

Trade up probability: Low — The Colts won’t be trading up for a running back unless it would be to move up just a few spots later in the draft. The need isn’t high so they can wait in the draft until a player they like comes to them.

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Chargers had pre-draft meeting with Appalachian State RB Darrynton Evans

The Los Angeles Chargers will be looking to solidify the backfield in the upcoming draft.

The Chargers have a formidable backfield with Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson, but they could be looking to solidify it in the upcoming draft after the departure of Melvin Gordon.

According to CBS Sport’s Josh Edwards, Los Angeles had a pre-draft FaceTime meeting with former Appalachian State RB Darrynton Evans.

Darrynton, the 5-foot-10 and 203 pound back burst onto the scene his sophomore season when he earned the starting role after an injury took the starter at the time, Jalin Moore out.

That season, he finished with 1,187 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 179 carries, while also earning First-Team All-Sun Belt. In 2019, he produced over 2,000 all-purpose yards and 24 touchdowns, going on to win Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year.

He also joined elite company – Christian McCaffrey and Chris Johnson – by becoming only the third FBS player in the past 20 years to rush for 1,400 yards, catch 5 touchdowns, and return a kickoff for a touchdown in the same season.

Evans did a little bit of everything in college, as he played running back, slot receiver and returned kicks. He’s not the biggest back, but he has the speed, vision and elusiveness to win, projecting as a do-it-all complimentary back and return specialist.

Evans projects as a mid-round selection.

2020 NFL Draft: 6 running backs the Jets should target

Jets Wire takes a look at six of the top running backs in the 2020 NFL draft that the Jets should target with picks No. 79, 120 or 158.

Even though the Jets have some of the most money dedicated to the running back position in the NFL, it’s still an area of need come draft weekend.

Beyond Le’Veon Bell, who is coming off the worst statistical season of his career, the Jets lack depth. Entering his third season, Trenton Cannon has been nothing more than a special teamer and lost most of last season to injury. While intriguing, undrafted free agent prospect Jalin Moore spent his entire rookie campaign on the non-football injury list. In addition, Kenneth Dixon and Josh Adams have yet to prove worthy of their draft slots and are just names on a depth chart.

It also looks unlikey that Ty Montgomery or Bilal Powell will return.

So yeah, the Jets need to draft a running back, but that won’t happen until the middle rounds at the earliest. Runners such as D’Andre Swift, J.K. Dobbins and Clyde Edwards-Helaire were intentionally left off this list because the Jets don’t have the roster flexibility to spend a first-round or high-Day 2 pick on a running back.

With that said, let’s take a look at six running backs Gang Green could target during draft weekend.

Zack Moss, Utah

(Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports)

Zack Moss is a very quick back for someone who weighs 223 pounds. He’s a violent runner but also possesses the necessary vision, balance and patience to be an eventual starter at the next level.

Moss returned for his senior season at Utah, spurning the NFL due to knee concerns. He started 12 of 13 games and earned third-team Associated Press All-American and first-team all-conference honors as one of the nation’s top rushers. Moss was the Utes’ workhorse, rushing 235 times for 1,416 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was also a threat in the passing game, catching 28 passes for 388 yards and two touchdowns.

There have been growing concerns about Moss’ medicals due to the lack of in-person information teams have been able to receive during the pandemic. Moss’ surgically repaired knee checked out well in a recent exam, though, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Moss’ agent told Schefter that all 32 NFL teams have been notified of the results, which could lead to a rise in draft stock.

The cousin of former Jet Santana Moss, the Utah product would be the perfect complement to Le’Veon Bell if New York elects to spend a Day 2 pick on a running back.

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Prospect for the Pack: Appalachian State RB Darrynton Evans

Breaking down the draft profile of Appalachian State running back Darrynton Evans, a potential pick for the Packers in the 2020 draft.

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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

2020 NFL Draft: Most underrated prospects at every position

Luke Easterling’s picks for the most underrated prospects at every position in the 2020 NFL draft class

We’re two weeks away from the 2020 NFL Draft, and while there are plenty of top prospects getting their well-earned attention in the first-round conversation, others are flying under the radar.

Here are my picks for the most underrated prospects at every position in this year’s draft:

QUARTERBACK

Jalen Hurts | Oklahoma

It’s hard to imagine a player with Hurts’ resume being underrated, but he’s still not getting enough respect as a top quarterback prospect in this class. Hurts made huge improvements as a passer in his senior year, similar to what we saw from Dak Prescott in his final season at Mississippi State.

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Hurts has a similar skill set to Prescott, too, and has the ability to make a similar impact at the next level. Hurts should be in the second-round conversation after one of the most incredible careers of any college quarterback in history.

Runner-Up

James Morgan | FIU

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Lions 2020 NFL Draft: A running back for (almost) every round

Lions 2020 NFL Draft: A running back for (almost) every round for the Detroit Lions to consider

Running back is an interesting position of need for the Detroit Lions. With Kerryon Johnson, Bo Scarbrough and Ty Johnson all returning from the team’s most successful rushing attack since 2013, there are pieces in place for building on the relative success.

Adding another rusher to the committee makes sense for GM Bob Quinn and the Lions. Kerryon Johnson has serious durability concerns, and both Scarbrough and Ty Johnson have more role-specific skills than all-purpose ability in the NFL.

Here is one RB for each round, with one notable exception, for the Lions to consider in the 2020 NFL Draft.

First round

None. Zilch. Nada. There is not a running back worthy of consideration for the Lions in the first round, not even a trade up to No. 32. Drafting a running back in the first round is wasteful, which is why most mock drafts these days don’t project a single RB to go to any team in the first round. There simply is not perceived value in taking one so high in the NFL anymore.

As a consequence of the widely-held belief, the top running backs all get pushed down and make the second and third rounds richer at RB.

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Lions 2020 Draft profile: Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State

Appalachian State RB Darrynton Evans is a good middle-round candidate to help the Detroit Lions at RB in the 2020 NFL Draft

Appalachian State running back Darrynton Evans is a definite name to know entering the 2020 NFL Draft for Detroit Lions fans. Evans is a player who fits what the Lions want and need in adding another running back to the backfield mix.

Evans was one of three RBs to make the cut in the highly predictive Quinn Influenced Benchmarks, as laid out by Erik Schlitt. It’s a breakdown of speed, size and burst metrics in athletic testing.

His RAS score shows he’s elite in everything but size, and he’s not small for a speed back at 5-10 and 203 pounds. He’s very similar to Lamar Miller in size and athleticism.

Lamar Miller is a good player comparison for Evans, but it’s not a perfect one. Evans is faster in the open field and has more of a bounce to his legs, though Miller had better vision and more fortitude on inside runs.

Games watched:

Lousiana (played twice in 2019), North Carolina, South Carolina, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina (2018), MTSU (2018)

Pros

  • Getting up the field on edge/stretch runs. Evans is very good at finding the exact right time to floor the gas pedal and get around the edge. Decisive thrust forward off the outside block.
  • Exceptional change of direction and elusiveness. He can flash a target to a potential tackler and take it away instantly with very fluid hips, fast feet and body control.
  • Ball security and hands. Zero career fumbles in over 400 touches. Pass drop statistics are incomplete but he’s listed as having one in 2019 against 21 catches.
  • Passing game work. He flexed out to the slot comfortably on numerous occasions. Routes are fairly pedestrian but he can sit down against a zone and reliably catches everything thrown his way. Good outlet receiver who can make the first tackler miss on swings and screens. He runs wheel routes out of the backfield very well but almost never saw the ball on those plays thanks to iffy QB play.

Cons

  • Power between the tackles. Evans is not a banger on inside runs. He doesn’t drive hard into contact and always looks like he’s trying to escape it instead of just lowering the shoulder and maximizing yardage inside.
  • Has some hesitation to his runs when the hole isn’t where it’s designed. Better NFL backside pursuit will get him more often than it did in college when he shuffles waiting for the hole. Was noticeable vs. Louisiana.
  • Hit-and-run pass protection. Evans capably drops the shoulder or throws a hip check into rushers in pass protection but he makes little effort to sustain contact, and he lacks the strength to impact more powerful defenders.

Overall

Darrynton Evans nicely fits the role of a “lightning” back in an RB rotation, working with a heavier power back. His speed, acceleration, big-play ability as both a runner and receiver are all just as good as several RBs who will be selected ahead of him in the 2020 NFL Draft.

NFL Comparison: Lamar Miller

Where he’s projected: 4th-5th round

Where I’d take him: 3rd round

Scouting breakdown: The 11 best running backs in the 2020 NFL Draft

Touchdown Wire analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of this year’s class, including Zack Moss, D’Andre Swift, Jonathan Taylor, and more.

The “running backs don’t matter” axiom has become gospel to many who analyze and pontificate about the NFL to the point that the thought has become simplistic cliche. While it’s true that the days of the bellcow franchise back getting second and third contracts with his original team are over for the most part (Todd Gurley as the most recent cautionary tale), the more complicated truth is that while running backs may not matter as they used to in an individual sense, the importance of the right running game has not decreased.

Whether it’s the power gap running game the Patriots used in the second half of the 2018 season to pick up their sixth Lombardi Trophy and hide the limitations of their passing game, or the way the 2019 Titans used Derrick Henry as the constant while they changed quarterbacks, or the ways in which Kyle Shanahan has used motion and defensive displacement throughout his career to make the most of the backs he’s had, there are absolutely ways in which the backs — and the system — can still define an offense in these halcyon days of the four-receiver set.

And with that in mind, every draft class of running backs… well, matters more. This is when you get your guys fresh off the conveyor belt, fresh as they’re ever going to be, and nothing but upward potential in front of them — no matter how long it lasts (or doesn’t).

Here are the 11 best backs in the 2020 draft class, based on collegiate production and NFL potential.

Moss | Swift | Taylor | Edwards-Helaire | Dobbins | Akers |
Benjamin | Dillon | Evans | Perine | Gibson

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2020 NFL draft: Darrynton Evans scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Appalachian State running back prospect Darrynton Evans

Darrynton Evans | RB | Appalachian State

Elevator Pitch

Evans wasn’t a highly touted running back coming out of high school, he was listed as a two-star prospect. After having minimal impact during his freshman season where he only carried it 48 times, Evans exploded onto the scene in the 2018-2019 seasons. In his final game, Evans rushed for an obscene 8.3 yards per carry on 19 attempts in the R+L Carriers Bowl against University of Alabama-Birmingham.

Vitals

Height | 5-10

Weight | 203

Class | Redshirt Junior

College Stats

College Bio

Combine Profile

Strengths

Evans is a runner who had a high number of carriers (482) and just two fumbles during that time. Only once did he lose a fumble. Protecting the football is the quickest ways to find a way onto the field. He runs with the ball high and tight with the ball in the appropriate hand. Won’t kill you with bad decisions with ball security which will keep him out of the dog house.

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.

Weaknesses

At times he will slow down when getting upfield and will brace for contact. At those times, he should use his athleticism to try and make the defender miss. Not big on broken tackles, he does better to create a miss with start and stop. Will need to improve on recognition, such as seeing cutback lanes.

Not a back you want taking on blitzers one on one. Doesn’t have the necessary power to take on defenders without losing ground. Power isn’t the name of his game. Inside running could be a problem if the lanes aren’t clean. Contact balance is iffy.

Projection: Day 3

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