Former Ole Miss running back Zach Evans sets pre-draft visits with Carolina, Tampa Bay

Ole Miss running back Zach Evans is racking up airline miles leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft.

After taking visits to Dallas, New Orleans, Cincinnati and Washington, Evans is dropping in for a top-30 visit with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday. He also has another trip scheduled to see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, per NFL reporter Aaron Wilson.

Evans, a former five-star prospect at North Shore High in Houston, had his first 1,000+ all-purpose yards season of his career this year for the Rebels.

The 6-foot-0, 215-pound back averaged 6.5 yards per carry and had 10 total touchdowns. He had just over 900 yards rushing, despite splitting reps with Quinshon Judkins and operating in an offense with a running quarterback.

A hamstring injury hampered Evans’ ability to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis but he impressed at Ole Miss’ Pro Day. He posted a 4.45 40-yard dash time.

During his time at TCU, Evans had two productive seasons. He posted 648 yards and five scores in 2021 and 415 yards and four touchdowns in 2020.

Evans is the No. 10 best-available running back on ESPN‘s draft board. He could come off the board on the second day of the draft. The Panthers have a plethora of picks in the middle rounds, as do the Buccaneers.

Pro Football Focus recently released player comps for their Top 150 prospects, including Zach Evans.

The former Ole Miss running back made the Top 150 list at No. 135. His player comparison was former NFL running back Tashard Choice.

“Evans is more athlete than a complete running back at this point. He’s one heck of an athlete, though,” wrote PFF.

Carolina is also hosting LSU offensive lineman Anthony Bradford for a top-30 visit ahead of the draft, Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday.

The NFL’s top-30 visits are reserved for 30 prospects per team and do not involve on-field workouts. They serve as job interviews, on top of medical checkups and meetings with the coaching staff.

More on the 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft takes place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event location this year is the plaza just outside of Union Station.

Round 1 of the NFL Draft begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 29. The draft broadcast runs throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.