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?

No redshirt for this Rams rookie running back

The LA Rams are never lacking interest in a new and talented offensive skilled player. And Zach Evans is very talented. While he played just three years of NCAA football, he filled each stage with incredible production and demonstrated remarkable growth over those three seasons. Both are necessary for NFL scouts to endorse selecting that player for a role on an NFL team.

The unique aspects of a rookie running back like Zach Evans is not that he excels at one aspect of the offense, but that he has a mastery of so much of what the LA Rams love to do with their runners. That is not to say that everything about Evans is so refined that he will outshine everyone. He will need to work on getting stronger. He will need to refine his ability to block in pass protection. And he will need to further develop his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. But all of those deficiencies can be addressed in training camp.

Rams draft landed potential starting RB in Round 6

What did his draft profile read?

At 5-foot-11 and 202 pounds, Evans is the right size and body mass to withstand the rigors of becoming a three-down running back in the NFL. And with featured running back Cam Akers nearing the end of his rookie contract, the Rams will be seeking a substitute to handle the load. The best aspect of Zach Evans is the simple fact that the Rams grabbed a potential starting running back late in the draft.

Although he was chosen late on Day 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft, this young man packs all of the power and potential of a starting NFL running back, and the LA Rams new running back coach, Ron Gould, is a master at recognizing and developing NFL running backs to the best of their ability. And Evans is still quite young, just 21 years old.

Why he will earn playing time as a rookie

What do draft analysts have to say about Zach Evans? There are plenty of strengths and weaknesses for this young man, but here are some of the strengths that not only jump off the page to me but paint Zach Evans as an ideal fit for the LA Rams offense:

"The main appeal with Evans comes from his mix of explosiveness, fluidity, and balance as a runner at over 200 pounds" - per Pro Football Network draft analyst Ian Cummings

"Working his way upfield, Evans becomes an explosive linear runner, showcasing good burst and acceleration. Evans’ speed and acceleration allow for him to rip off big gains and he has the speed to flip field positions with his burst and acceleration. While Evans is an explosive runner, there is also an element of physicality in his game. Evans does a good job of finishing runs. In situations where he needs to finish runs in the hole, Evans will lower his pad level and attempt to run through defenders to pick up those physical yards in between the tackles." - per The Draft Network draft analyst Keith Sanchez 

"Evans has the straight-line speed to outrun angles, and his flexibility allows him to turn the corner on the perimeter and stay near top speed as Evans does; he’s especially effective on fly sweeps." - per NFL Draft Buzz.

"Evans’ career average of 6.9 yards per carry demonstrates his home run ability" - per NFL.com NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein

Preseason spotlight will shine brightly on Zach Evans

Do the LA Rams have a glaring void at running back in 2023? No, not even close. The Rams have established featured running back Cam Akers to handle the load. And the Rams coaching staff has simply not stopped raving about 2022 rookie running back Kyren Williams. So how can I believe that Zach Evans has a snowball's chance in hell of getting playing time this year?

RB coach Ron Gould won't be fooled, and he enters the 2023 NFL season with professional skepticism. Players will need to earn their place on the Rams depth chart, and the versatility and production of rookie Zach Evans will quickly endear him to his coach.

I am already looking forward to seeing Evans carry the football in preseason games. This won't be a case of Evans getting meaningless touches, but rather I believe that he will put up at least one 100+ yards performance. I have no doubt that RB Zach Evans is looking forward to NFL competition. The only question in my mind is: Is the NFL competition looking forward to Zach Evans?