Why rookie RB Zach Evans could be better than the brochure for the LA Rams

The LA Rams draft grabbed a running back who I never thought would be on the board when the Rams were ready to consider adding an offensive weapon. But isn't that the fun of the NFL Draft?

The truth is that I had no projection over the LA Rams landing a talented running back like Ole Miss rusher Zach Evans in the 2023 NFL draft. The Rams already boast running backs Cam Akers, Kyren Williams, and Ronnie Rivers, and the team is not exactly a run-first type of offense. My expectations were grounded on the fact that if the LA Rams did dabble in adding another rusher to the Rams roster, that prospect would be a raw and risky prospect who was either too small to be featured as a three-down running back, or too inexperienced to make much of an impact in his rookie season.

Boy, was I wrong.

Talented RB tumbles on draft day

Due to a deep draft class at the running back position, Ole Miss running back Zach Evans fell from a projected Day 2 spot all the way to the Rams at the 215th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. There are several reasons for that, but the primary cause appears to be a few concerns over Zach Evans's multiple minor injuries in college. Medical flags with multiple alternative options can sink a prospect's chances of being selected early.

But just to reassure you that Zach Evans has some ability to run with the football, here is a highlight video to give you a sample of what this young man can do with the football in his hands:

Zach Evans is an explosive but smooth running back who offers so much to the LA Rams offense, that it's almost impossible to envision him not contributing to the Rams offense this season in a big way. His ability can threaten the middle of the defense, as well as attack the perimeter. So what are the chances for him to see some action in his rookie season?