Tag: Evan Hull

How Twitter reacted to Colts drafting RB Evan Hull

Here’s how Twitter reacted to the Evan Hull pick.

The Indianapolis Colts brought in some competition for the backfield during the 2023 NFL draft, selecting Evan Hull out of Northwestern at the end of the fifth round.

Though the running back position wasn’t really a need, it doesn’t hurt to spend a mid-Day 3 pick on a player who can fill a role immediately as a pass-catcher while adding some special teams contribution.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to the pick:

Instant analysis of Colts drafting RB Evan Hull

Here’s our instant analysis of the Colts drafting RB Evan Hull.

The Indianapolis Colts selected Northwestern running back Evan Hull with the No. 176 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

Though Jonathan Taylor is expected to be ready after undergoing a minor surgery to clean up the ankle injury he dealt with in 2022, Hull should have a chance to compete for a spot in the room.

Here’s our instant analysis of the pick:

What the Colts are getting in RB Evan Hull

Here’s what the Colts are getting in RB Evan Hull.

The Indianapolis Colts had a busy fifth round with four picks and they wrapped it up with the selection of running back Evan Hull out of Northwestern.

He fits the high RAS scores that Chris Ballard has been finding in the 2023 draft. He ranks as the 119th-best running back prospect since 1987.

Hull is a north/south runner that can get down the field in a jiffy if he has open space to work with.

He’s sudden in short space and has the agility to make lateral movements to make the defender miss. Hull is a compact-built runner.

Hull can also make an impact as a receiver. He’s effective in the screen game and has experience running routes out of the slot.

Things that he will need to address to help make the roster include breaking tackles at a better rate, creating more explosive runs, and being better at pass blocking if he wants to be on the field on third downs.

The Colts are getting a potential solid RB2/RB3 option for their running back depth chart if he can improve on his weaknesses. He has kick return experience so he can provide value on special teams to start his career.

2023 NFL draft: Colts select RB Evan Hull with No. 176 pick

BREAKING: The Colts selected Northwestern RB Evan Hull with the No. 176 pick.

The Indianapolis Colts selected Northwestern running back Evan Hull with the No. 176 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

Using the selection they received in the Stephon Gilmore trade, the Colts add a solid running back prospect who has a nice combination of size, speed and pass-catching abilities.

At 5-foot-10 and 209 pounds, Hull posted a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash with a 1.53 10-yard split. He added a 37-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-3-inch broad jump.

A two-year starter at Northwestern, Hull was a solid between-the-tackles runner, but his value comes as a receiver. He led all of college football running backs in receptions (55) during the 2022 season, and he racked up 88 receptions over his two seasons as a starter.

Hull may not be the most elusive runner, but he brings some juice and contact balance to the offense. He needs to improve his pass-blocking, especially when it comes to recognizing where the blitz is coming from.

Hull will add special teams contributions as a return man and should compete for the final spot in the backfield with Zack Moss, Deon Jackson and Darrynton Evans.

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Targeting upside for the future in this Cleveland Browns mock draft

This year’s draft is almost here kicking off in less than a week.

The 2023 NFL draft is nearly here as it is set to kick off this coming Thursday with Round 1. The Cleveland Browns won’t get started drafting until later on Friday, being without a first- or second-round pick this year. The team has had a quality free agency period, which gives them plenty of flexibility heading into this year’s draft.

The Browns don’t have to force a position this year as the biggest needs are all rotational and depth pieces. They do need to focus on certain areas but can do so in whatever round a talented player falls to them. Let’s take a look at what I think would be a great haul with an eye for the future.

Vikings 2023 7-round mock draft: Matt Anderson’s 11.0

The Minnesota Vikings could potentially move up for a quarterback. @MattAnderson_8 explores what that might look like.

Earlier this week, Josh Norris from Underdog Fantasy identified the Minnesota Vikings as potential dark horse candidates to make a trade-up in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, this trade would not be just any ordinary trade; it would involve the Vikings moving up to the third overall draft pick by trading with the Arizona Cardinals.

Now, let’s examine my 11th mock draft to envision what the draft might look like if the Vikings were to make such a trade and secure the third overall pick.

We will be using Pro Football Focus’ mock draft simulator and the Rich Hill trade chart for any trades.

Packers to host Northwestern RB Evan Hull on official pre-draft visit

The Green Bay Packers will host Northwestern running back Evan Hull on an official top 30 visit before the 2023 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers will host Northwestern running back Evan Hull on an official top 30 visit before the 2023 NFL draft, according to Darren Wolfson of KSTP.

All teams can host 30 prospects for visits before the draft. The Packers’ reported visits can be found here: Tracking Packers’ official pre-draft visits ahead of 2023 NFL draft.

Hull (5-10, 209) rushed 488 times for 2,417 yards and 18 touchdowns and caught 94 passes for 851 yards and four touchdowns over 37 career games.

In 2022, Hull forced 51 missed tackles, caught 54 passes and produced 1,450 total yards over 12 games.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Hull ran the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds, hit 37″ in the vertical leap, covered 10-3 in the broad jump, finished the three-cone drill in 6.9 seconds and the short shuttle in 4.38 seconds and completed 21 reps in the bench press. His Relative Athletic Score was 9.18 out of 10.0.

The Packers have a long-term need at running back, making the position a likely Day 2 or Day 3 target in the 2023 draft. Hull is a likely Day 3 option.

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Perfect mid/late-round RB fits for the Eagles in 2023 NFL draft

We’re looking at the perfect mid/late-round running back fits for the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2023 NFL draft

The Eagles will look somewhat different at running back in 2023, with Rashaad Penny replacing former Penn State star Miles Sanders.

Penny, Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott, and Trey Sermon give Philadelphia the potential for a solid committee of rushers. However, could Howie Roseman look to find the perfect fit during this month’s draft?

The Eagles have eyes for Bijan Robinson and Jahymr Gibbs, but we have the perfect fits if GM Howie Roseman decides to move in the mid to late rounds.

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 31, Northwestern RB Evan Hull

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Northwestern running back Evan Hull.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers have their one-two punch at running back with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Now, Brian Gutekunst needs to find the third running back. 

A running back that Green Bay’s general manager could target on day three of the 2023 NFL Draft is Evan Hull. The Northwestern running back checks in at No. 31 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.

A three-star recruit out of Minnesota, Hull scored six rushing touchdowns during his first two seasons on campus. In 2021, Hull rushed for 1,009 yards and seven touchdowns. He also hauled in 33 receptions for 264 yards and two touchdowns. 

This past season, Hull rushed for 913 yards and five touchdowns. He added 546 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He led FBS running backs with 55 receptions. 

“Hull was the engine of what was a pretty dreadful Northwestern offense,” Ethan Segall, the managing editor of Inside NU said. “By far the best skill position player on the team, Hull was asked to do a ton in all phases of the offense. He had 20 or more touches in 8-of-12 games this season including a 30-carry game against Ohio State. Hull’s rushing numbers regressed slightly from 2021 in large part due to the one-note nature of Northwestern’s offense. Defenses were selling out to keep Hull in check without much threat of an aerial attack.”

The Northwestern running back is one of the best pass-catching backs in the 2023 NFL Draft. Over the past two seasons, Hull reeled in 88 receptions for 810 yards and four touchdowns. During that two-year span, Hull was targeted 108 times and had just four drops. 

“Hull is a true third down back,” Segall said. “Among running backs, Hull led the nation in both receptions and receiving yards. Against Duke, Hull had a whopping 14 receptions for 213 yards and a touchdown. His sharp route running and feel for open space make him a quarterback’s friend out of the backfield.”

Hull has soft, reliable hands. He snares the ball away from his frame like a wide receiver. Northwestern occasionally lined him up in the slot this past season. In pass protection, Hull shows good awareness and has the functional strength to thwart oncoming traffic. 

“One of the main things that often prevents young running backs from getting play time early is the inability to hold up in pass protection,” Segall said. “That won’t be the case for Hull. In his three-down role, Hull has ample experience in pass protection and should be a plus-player early on in his NFL career.”

Hull possesses good vision, with quick eyes to locate cutback lanes. He’s a patient runner and lets blocks develop. He has quick feet and is an instinctive runner. The Minnesota native has a strong lower body and has adequate contact balance, racking up 602 yards after contact (PFF). He’s more than capable of ripping off chunk plays, as he finished this past season with 14 runs of 15-plus yards. At the scouting combine, Hull clocked a 4.47 40-yard time. 

“Hull had solid testing at the NFL Combine, but won’t necessarily wow you with his pure athleticism like some of the other backs in this draft class,” Segall said. “His biggest strengths in the open field are his excellent field vision and his quick change of direction. He posted a strong number in the 3-Cone drill and showed off that quickness.”

Fit with the Packers

The Packers need to add a running back behind Jones and Dillon. With his ability as a receiving back, Hull could be the perfect complement to Jones and Dillon.

The Northwestern back also has limited experience returning kicks (nine attempts) and punts (one attempt). He finished his career with 120 special team snaps.

“Hull will probably have to prove his worth on special teams at first, but he has all the makings of a great special teams player while also having the skill set to earn the trust of his coaches early on in his career,” Segall said. “Hull held his own at the Senior Bowl and stood out for his fluidity and quickness, which is usually a strong indicator of success in the pros. Hull has improved every year and is worth a day three pick for just about any NFL squad looking to add to their running back room.”

Jones will turn 29 in December. Dillon is in the final year of his rookie contract. It’s safe to assume that at least one of them, maybe even both won’t be back next year. 

Working behind Jones and Dillon, Hull may not see much action during his rookie campaign. However, the NFL Draft is all about long-term projection and Hull has the tools to immediately make an impact as a pass-catching back for the Packers. 

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Breaking down Packers picks in Jordan Reid’s seven-round mock draft

Breaking down all the picks for the Packers in Jordan Reid’s seven-round mock draft at ESPN.

ESPN’s Jordan Reid embraced the madness of March and released a seven-round mock draft on Wednesday. Reed has the Green Bay Packers addressing some major needs in the first four rounds and adding depth pieces in the fifth and seventh rounds. Let’s take a deeper look.

15th overall pick: Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson

Pro Football Focus has compared the Clemson edge rusher to current Green Bay edge rusher Rashan Gary. Murphy is a strong run defender and finished this past season with 34 pressures to go along with 6.5 sacks. Murphy has a nice blend of quickness and strength. 

With his ability to set the edge and get after the quarterback, Murphy would be the ideal selection with the 15th overall pick. Murphy would help shore up Green Bay’s run defense while giving its pass rush a jolt.

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45th overall pick: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

Not sure many Green Bay fans would care about the rest of the 2023 NFL Draft if Brian Gutekunst landed Darnell Washington. The Georgia tight end is a mountain of a man.

At 6-7, 264 pounds and 4.6 speed, Washington is a walking mismatch. With his size, he can overwhelm defenders at the point of attack, but he’s a better blocker on the move. A high school wide receiver, Washington has natural pass-catching abilities. He has sticky hands and was flagged for just two drops this past season.

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78th overall pick: Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State

The Packers need more playmakers and Reed would help fill the void. Reed ran a 4.45 40-yard dash and he has an instant accelerator and the long speed to win vertically. He’s a shifty athlete in space and a dangerous YAC threat. Reed is a three-level threat and an electric playmaker.

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116th overall pick: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama

Battle is a jack of all trades master of none type of prospect. He’s always where he needs to be and he could help fix some of Green Bay’s breakdowns in coverage.

Battle did a little bit of everything in the secondary during his time at Alabama and a lot was asked of him. The Alabama safety has great field awareness and disciplined eyes. He’s a steady, reliable presence, and landing him in the fourth round would be a great value pick. 

149th overall pick: Asim Richards, OL, UNC

A three-year starter at left tackle for the Tar Heels, Richards could kick inside at the next level. This past season Richards gave up three sacks and improved each season as a starter. He has strong, heavy hands that jolt defensive linemen at contact. The Packers have a rich history of developing day-three offensive linemen into reliable starters. 

170th overall pick: Anthony Johnson, CB, Virginia

A transfer from Louisville, Johnson enjoyed a breakout campaign during his lone season at Virginia. Johnson recorded 51 tackles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions, and 14 pass deflections. According to PFF, Johnson gave up zero touchdowns in coverage this past season.

Johnson would provide quality depth at cornerback, while also giving the Packers another player with plenty of special teams experience. Johnson logged 300-plus snaps on special teams during his collegiate career. 

232nd overall pick: Justin Shorter, WR, Florida

A five-star recruit out of New Jersey, Shorter never quite put it together at Penn State or Florida. At 6-4, 229 pounds with adequate speed, Shorter has all the tools to potentially earn a spot on a team’s wide receiver depth chart. With his frame, Shorter has a huge catch radius and tracks the ball well. 

235th overall pick: Cory Durden, DL, NC State

A transfer from Florida State, Durden had seven tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks during his two seasons at NC State. Durden was versatile during his collegiate career, playing all over the defensive line. He’s a stout run defender and he has the power to collapse the pocket. In 2019, Durden recorded 45 pressures for the Seminoles.

242nd overall pick: Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern

Hull is one of the better pass-catching running backs in the 2023 NFL Draft. Over the past two seasons, Hull has recorded 88 receptions for 810 yards and four touchdowns.

As a runner, Hull has good vision and runs with patience to let the blocks develop. The Northwestern back may never be the lead dog, but he has the skills to develop into a dynamic part of a running back room.

256th overall pick: Max Duggan, QB, TCU

The TCU quarterback is tough as nails and put together many highlight-reel-worthy runs during his time at TCU. Duggan gets the ball out with urgency and throws with nice touch.

His dual-threat ability could allow him to make a Taysom Hill-like impact in sub-packages. With his competitive toughness, Duggan could be a solid backup for Jordan Love.Â