Tennessee Titans: Grading every pick in 2020 NFL Draft
By John Laird
Round 3, Pick 93: Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State
Grade: B+
The speed overhaul continued with the selection of Appalachian State running back Darrynton Evans. Evans, who ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, will slot in nicely behind Derrick Henry the way the Titans hoped Dion Lewis would the past two seasons.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
In 2019, Evans rushed for 1,480 yards and 18 touchdowns. As a receiver, Evans tallied 21 catches for just under 200 yards and five touchdowns. This production helped Evans be named the Offensive Player of the Year for the Sun Belt Conference.
During his career for the Mountaineers, Evans was a three-down back who ran well between the tackles for somebody who’s on the fringe when it comes to physical stature (5-10, 200 pounds). Appalachian State runs a ton of outside zone when it comes to the run game, which as I stated earlier, is the same scheme the Titans heavily utilize.
When asked in what he’s looking for in terms of a number-two running back, Mike Vrabel made it clear he prefers a back who can not only play all three downs on offense but can be effective in the return game as well.
Darrynton Evans’ explosiveness is on full display in that phase of the game. I envisioned the Titans taking a runner who is a little bigger and played more stiff competition, but this is still a very solid pick by Jon Robinson in the third round.