Tennessee Titans: Grading the 2020 NFL Draft class, pick-by-pick analysis
Darrynton Evans. 3. player. 35. Appalachian State. Positional Ranking and Analysis. Pick Analysis. Running Back
Draft Grade: A-
Darrynton Evans is a player that makes a ton of sense for the Tennessee Titans. He is a perfect complement for Derrick Henry and has the potential to be a true feature back if the Titans are unable to bring back Henry after his franchise tag season.
I actually mocked Evans to the Tennessee Titans in my last team mock before the 2020 NFL Draft, so clearly I love the pick. However, I got him in the fifth round, so this may have gotten an “A+” if they had gotten him a little later in the draft. But it is a very solid addition nonetheless.
Over the past two seasons at Appalachian State, Evans really came into his own as a running back. He had over 1,000 rushing yards in each season and really thrived as a junior in 2019. This past season, Evans ran for 1,480 yards and 18 touchdowns. As a receiver, Evans added 21 catches for 198 yards and five touchdowns.
That sort of versatility and ability in the passing game is what Evans will bring to the Tennessee Titans as a rookie. The team lost third-down back Dion Lewis this offseason, so Evans will fill that role in 2020.
Evans is more than capable as a runner as well, bringing a different dynamic that Henry. Where Henry is a hard-nosed, between the tackles runner, Evans is evasive and elusive, excelling on zone runs. He is patient at the line of scrimmage and has great burst through the hole once he recognizes one.
Once he is in the open field, Evans is a nightmare to try to bring down. He uses jump cuts and simple changes of direction to quickly move past defenders and has 4.41 40-yard dash speed to finish off long runs for touchdowns.
In this range of the draft, I don’t think I could have hand-picked a better complement for Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans. The value could have been a bit better if they could have gotten him a little later in the draft, but without a fourth-round pick, Robinson and the Tennessee Titans made sure they got their guy. A very solid “A-” pick, even in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.