Darrynton Evans | RB
Background
Evans showed he has the chops to be a versatile and explosive (4.41 40-yard dash speed) back during his days at Applachian State, which makes him seem like the perfect complement to Henry.
The rookie totaled over 2,600 yards on the ground in his last two collegiate seasons, and he took a step forward as a pass-catcher in 2019 with a career-high 21 receptions for 198 yards. Overall, Evans notched an impressive 6.0 yards per carry and 8.2 yards per reception over three seasons.
The Appalachian State product was also an electric returner, totaling 25.7 yards per kicker return and three scores in three years. Evans has the ability to impact a game in multiple ways and he’s one of the more exciting new pieces the Titans added this offseason.
The competition
The question isn’t if Evans will make the roster, but rather if can he dominate all the snaps behind Henry in his first season.
There isn’t much competition for that spot, as players like Dalyn Dawkins, Senorise Perry, Shaun Wilson and UDFA Cameron Scarlett will all be on the bubble to make the roster.
And, if the Titans decide to carry two running backs and one fullback (Khari Blasingame) on game days, it’ll leave even less room for the other backs currently on the roster.
One of the biggest things for Evans will be proving he isn’t a liability in pass protection. The Titans are likely hoping the third-round pick can be the kind of asset as a pass-catcher that Henry and Dion Lewis weren’t able to be last season, and being able to protect the quarterback is a huge part getting opportunities on passing downs.
If he can put it all together during training camp and the preseason, Evans should get significant touches for a backup in a run-heavy ofense — particularly in the passing game — with the Titans looking to lessen the reigning rushing champ’s workload a bit.
I’d also expect him to have a chance to contribute in the return game, an area where the Titans were lacking for much of the 2019 campaign. Evans will have to battle it out with players like Kalif Raymond and Cameron Batson in camp for punt and/or kick return duties, though.