Los Angeles Rams select Zach Evans in 6th round of 2023 NFL Draft

After two colleges and a generally productive college career, one of the top running back prospects from the 2020 recruiting class has finally made his to the NFL. The Los Angeles Rams used the No. 215 overall pick in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft to select running back Zach Evans out of Ole Miss.

Evans began his college career at TCU in his home state of Texas. He spent two seasons there, appearing in 15 total games and not more than nine in a season. He averaged nearly 7.3 yards per carry across those two seasons, though, totaling 1063 yards and nine touchdowns.

Then Evans transferred to Ole Miss to play for Lane Kiffin in the SEC in 2022. While he was ultimately outpaced by star freshman Quinshon Judkins, Evans produced in 12 games at Ole Miss almost as much production as he did during two years at TCU. In 2022, Evans carried the ball 144 times for 936 yards (6.5 yards per carry) and nine touchdowns. Between him and Judkins, Ole Miss had one of the best rushing attacks in the country.

Evans was as coveted as recruits come, the No. 13 played overall in the 2020 signing class according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He was the top prospect in Texas and the best running back in his class. Playing for North Shore (TX) High School, Evans originally chose TCU over the likes of Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan, Miami, Notre Dame and a countless number of other Power 5 offers.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Evans

NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein is high on Evans. He sees all the physical ability and the career yards per carry numbers don’t lie about his ability to ripoff big runs. But injuries — a large reason he was limited early in his career — could be a hang up.

“Evans’ career average of 6.9 yards per carry demonstrates his home run ability, but nagging injuries have limited him in the last two seasons. Teams will need to examine his injury history and determine whether it’s a concern for them or not. He has lead back size and impresses with his willingness to fight through contact for additional yardage on most runs. His vision and creativity are average at best, but the talent/traits should put him in contention for early carries as a very good complementary back with future RB1 upside,” Zierlein said.

Zierlein also had some concerns about Evans’ vision and shiftiness in the open field, but the ability to be an NFL starting running back is there.