Zach Evans Complete NFL Draft Profile (Ole Miss Back Could Be Lead Rusher in NFL)

Day 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft was an entertaining Thursday night experience. Dozens of prospects are still waiting to find their NFL homes, including Ole Miss running back Zach Evans. A junior running back who entered the draft early, Evans has a ton of talent and could be an effective back in the NFL on Day 1 if taken in the right situation.

Here's everything you need to know about Zach Evans heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.

Zach Evans Draft Stock & Mock Draft Projections

Mock draft sources accurate as of 4/28: NFL.com, ESPN, CBS, Walter Football, Sporting News.

Projected Draft Round: Round 3 (2), Round 4 (2), Round 5 (1)
Projected Team: Browns (1), Broncos (1), Giants (1), Commanders (1), Chargers (1)

Zach Evans Scouting Report

Evans spent his first two collegiate seasons (2020-2021) at TCU, but then transferred to Ole Miss. He averaged at least 7.0 yards per carry in both seasons at TCU, but Ole Miss offered more opportunity, and he took advantage of it.

Evans rushed for 893 yards in 11 games on just 136 attempts, he added 8 touchdowns. While he hasn't done it a ton, Evans has proven he can also be a factor in the passing game, able to catch the ball on out routes, over the shoulder, and across the middle.

At his core though, Evans is most effective as a strong north-south runner that gets to the second level quickly, but still has the ability to make a man miss once he's through the line. He can break tackles and is great at finding the open lane if a play breaks down and he's forced to cut back.

He has shown some struggles in the blocking game though, something he'll need to work on if he wants to be an every-down back in the NFL.

Zach Evans NFL Draft Prediction

The Los Angeles Chargers have an every-down back of their own in Austin Ekeler, but he;s not getting any younger and even requested a trade earlier this offseason. As Ekeler ages, he could be more used in the passing game and less on the ground, that's where Evans comes in. He could take over the lead carry roles and still contribute in the passing game once Ekeler has moved on or retired.

Keeping your backfield fresh and versatile is paramount in today's NFL, and Evans provides the Chargers with the opportunity to do just that.

Prediction: Los Angeles Chargers (Round 3, 85th overall)

Zach Evans NFL Combine Results

Zach Evans Ole Miss Stats

Zach Evans Ole Miss Highlights

Who is Announcing the 2023 NFL Draft? Full Breakdown of This Year's Broadcast Crew and ChannelAnthony Richardson NFL Draft Odds & Vegas Projections (Full List of Prop Bets Available)Get $150 in Bonus Bets GUARANTEED With Best FanDuel NFL Draft PromoList of Alabama Players Declared for the 2023 NFL DraftHas a Wide Receiver Ever Gone First Overall? (Highest Drafted WRs in NFL History)

David Kaestle is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, David also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username davekaestle. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.