Darrynton Evans Overview
Position: Running Back
Height: 5’-10”
Weight: 203 pounds
School: Appalachian State
NFL Combine Performance Data
40 Yard Dash: 4.41 seconds (unofficial)
Bench Press: 20 reps
Vertical Jump: 37.0”
Broad Jump: 125.0”
Darrynton Evans 2020 NFL Draft Profile
After two seasons starting at Appalachian State, running back Darrynton Evans is taking his talents to the professional level. Despite his relatively underwhelming build, Evans served as the lead back of a solid rushing attack. Handling the rock 256 times in 2019, Evans recorded 1,484 yards (5.8 yards-per-carry) and 18 touchdowns to go along with 21 receptions on 27 targets for 198 yards.
Evans initially entered the collegiate football ranks as a two-star prospect, according to 24/7 Sports. Major recruiting programs apparently disagreed with the assessment, as he received multiple offers from Division 1 programs. He ended up choosing Appalachian State and finally became a major part of the offense in 2018. During his first season of extended action, Evans recorded 1,184 yards and seven touchdowns on 178 carries (6.7 yards-per-carry) to go along with 13 receptions on 19 targets for 89 yards.
Strengths
- Fantastic straight-line speed and above-average overall athleticism;
- Solid vision, can read blocks and pick the right gap;
- Proved he can handle a large workload with 256 carries in 2019;
- No fumbles since his freshman season;
- One-cut runner that doesn’t dance in the backfield;
- Can contribute as a kick returner.
Weaknesses
- Doesn’t break many tackles;
- Only as good as his blocking;
- Below-average height and weight, although it’s not a dealbreaker;
- Doesn’t project as a threat in the passing game;
- Probably won’t hold up to linebackers/defensive ends in pass protection.
NFL Comparison: Donald Brown
Teams With Need at Position: Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, New York Jets
Projection: 6th/7th Round
Bottom Line on Darrynton Evans
Running backs are a dime a dozen in today’s NFL, and Darrynton Evans is not the exception to the rule. The Appalachian State product definitely has the raw athleticism and enough of a skill set to thrive in the NFL. His 4.41 speed shows up on film and he has the potential to take it all the way every time he touches the ball. He’s a solid one-cut runner that played in a collegiate system that developed his vision to an NFL level. He doesn’t hesitate at the line and is going to get every yard possible on every single carry.
However, there is a reason he’s not even in the same discussion as mid-round running backs like A.J. Dillon. While Evans can be dangerous in the open field, he needs his blocking to get there. His undersized frame is an issue, as he struggles to break tackles and basically does nothing after contact. He’s somewhat elusive, but not enough to ever earn a full-time starting job. Additionally, he doesn’t project as a threat in the passing game. Even if he developed a reliable set of hands, he’d still struggle to see the field thanks to his subpar work in pass protection. Ultimately, Darrynton Evans should make it as a solid member of a committee, but nothing more.
Main photo:
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