NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
Rashaan Evans is a leader in the Alabama front on defense. Standing 6’3 235 pounds, is a captain of the defense. Evans is a difference maker at his linebacker position and is a all around do everything linebacker. He is a physical player that loves to deliver the big hits on ball carriers. Evans has impressive sideline to sideline speed. Evans holds a very high football IQ which allows him to get him and his defensive teammates set up in the right play call to stop the offense.
When Evans is in the run game he plays downhill and doesn’t hesitate to take on blockers. He does a very good job of finding holes and shooting threw them, He is also able to shed blocks to make tackles if need be. Evans also has very good quickness to work around blockers in space so he doesn’t get taken out of the play by getting blocked.
He is a big hitter who isn’t someone who will give up yards after contact nor miss many tackles at all. But what makes Evans overall value to Alabama’s defense and his future NFL football team is thanks to his ability to hold up in coverage. When Evans drops back into coverage he keeps his head on a swivel and quickly reacts and closes on the football. He’s able to stick with tight ends, running backs and some wide receivers due to his speed.
Evans is a very big asset against the pass and run. But the icing on the cake for him is his ability to rush the passer from time to time. He has the burst and balance to gain the edge and get around the corner or through gaps to get after the quarterback. His explosiveness and awareness also makes him an excellent blitzer. He really is capable of impacting the game on multiple levels.
A few issues with Evans is that it’s very well known that Alabama has more than a few first or 2nd round picks on the defensive side of the ball. Which makes life easier for players on that side of the ball to make plays. Another aspect is he is much better in a 3-4 defensive scheme. If he does go to a 4-3 scheme he would likely have to put on a little weight in order to play the middle linebacker position. Evans could put more weight on his frame and still be able to handle it just fine due to his athletic ability. I’d like to see him be a little more physical at the point of attack against blockers if he does get hands put on him. Evans does a good job getting off of blocks but from time to time he does get caught up in it that if he was more physical at the point of attack that would change.
This scouting report was compiled by Cody Ladue. Follow him on Twitter!!
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