Zach Evans: Dynasty Rookie Draft Advice (2023 Fantasy Football)

The 2023 NFL Draft is in the books, and now it’s time for dynasty rookie drafts. Landing spots and draft capital have been determined, and we’re here with your dynasty rookie draft outlooks. Let’s take a look at what Derek Brown expects of Zach Evans.

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Dynasty Rookie Draft Picks & Predictions: Zach Evans

Zach Evans (Ole Miss)

RB Zach Evans (#6) is a north-south runner that is willing to work between the tackles. He lacks creativity as a runner, but has burst, tight footwork and flashes the understanding of how to tempo his runs and set up blockers.

Some similarities to Tevin Coleman with his game. pic.twitter.com/lE93Uc7o5n

— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) April 5, 2023

Stats:

2022 (minimum 100 carries, 20 targets)
- Yards after contact per attempt: 37th
- Breakaway rate: 29th
- PFF elusive rating: 48th
- PFF receiving grade: 88th*
- Yards per route run: 72nd*

*19 targets*

Career
- 50th percentile college dominator
- 51st percentile collegiate target share
- Never eclipsed a 62.9 PFF receiving grade

Scouting report:

Evans has a good initial burst getting up to top speed quickly. The problem is when he reaches back for a second or third “home run gear,” he’s left wanting. He’s a one-speed linear runner. Sharp cutbacks against the grain are tough for him as he loses speed, but he does have good enough bend and agility for subtle cutbacks and jump cuts.
Evans is at his best on stretch zone runs when he can get horizontal before bursting upfield through a cutback lane. He displays a good feel for these play designs versus inside zone runs, where he stutters at the line at times when a sizable hole isn’t readily apparent.
Evans lacks creativity at the second level as he misses some cutback opportunities and lacks the lateral agility to put defenders on skates. He does display good finishing strength at the end of his runs fighting for extra yards while he isn’t a pile pusher.
Evans is a dump-off option only in the passing game. When he’s been deployed outside or via angle routes, he has difficulty getting separated as he rounds his routes and lacks snap.

Player Comp: Ronald Jones

Dynasty Outlook: Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to draft Zach Evans in the final round of your dynasty rookie draft and then target the Evans’ truther in your league. Add him as a possible throw-in for a trade. There’s one Evans truther in every league, and while you’re reading this, you probably already know who they are or will hear from them during your dynasty rookie draft with “Hey, good pick” or “Oh crap! I didn’t think he would be selected ahead of me.” Evans is worth a final-round selection only as a taxi squad stash option. While yes, Kyren Williams is the only substantial back behind Cam Akers on the Rams’ depth, Evans sixth round capital this season still is less than the team spent on Williams last year. Akers could leave via free agency after this season, allowing you to ship him off next offseason before his value could tank again with the team addressing the position in the draft. It’s also possible the team could retain Akers, which would smother his dynasty value.