Can Zach Evans Be the Real Deal AND a Bargain?
Zach Evans
Ole Miss
Running Back
5’11, 202lbs
2022 Stats: Attempts 144
YDS 936
TD 9
AVG 6.5
REC 12
REC YDS 119
Pros
His field vision is superb. He can see holes and find the open field.
He is very speedy, physical, and athletic. Tough to take down and seems to always make the first defenders miss. He is shifty between the tackles.
Extends the plays with his feet and bull-like moves.
Cons
His pass catching is lacking. He only had two receiving touchdowns in career.
He does have a small history of fumbles.
He is not the best blocker on the line.
Summary
As an Ole Miss fan, I watched Evans play and thrive. Unfortunately for him, last year we also had Freshman sensation Quinshon Judkins who stole the show with 1,567 yards to become the SEC Freshman of the Year. Needless to say, if it would have only been Evans in the backfield, his numbers would have been more dynamic. Regardless, he still put up almost a 1000 yards running alongside Judkins. His strength (though he is on smaller side) and vision of the field is what teams will notice and want when drafting him in April.
The down side is he is not a dual threat, and he wasn’t able to prove himself at the combine due to hamstring injury. He only had 12 receptions last year at Ole Miss, and to be a lead back in the NFL, you need both elite rushing and receiving. In dynasty, depending on his landing spot, I could see him being in a RBBC like the Eagles put out the last few seasons because that is ultimately what happened at TCU and Ole Miss for him.
The truth is I think with his agility and ability, he should be a starter and a 3rd down back for a team. Fingers crossed he gets a great home because this guy is special.
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2023 Dynasty Rookie Draft Projection: Mid 2nd round Dynasty RB
Ideal Role: Starter but most likely starter in an RBBC
Player Comp: JK Dobbins because he breaks tackles and moves piles of defenders forward with his legs. He is also 5’9″ and 211 so same frame and build.
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