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Michigan Football: Breaking down Chris Evans NFL draft decision

By Chris Peterson

Oct 24, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Chris Evans (9) rushes with the ball as Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) makes a tackle in the second half at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Chris Evans (9) rushes with the ball as Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) makes a tackle in the second half at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chris Evans will reportedly forgo a chance to play another season for Michigan football to pursue the NFL draft.

The Michigan football running back room will have one less body in the 2021 season and that’s after the Detroit Free Press reported that Chris Evans will enter the NFL draft.

The Free Press said that Evans was “expected” to enter the NFL draft instead of returning to Michigan football for another season which he would be allowed to do. All players can get an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But instead of returning to a crowded backfield, Evans is going to take his chances at the NFL level, where he got a bunch of preseason buzz. At one point, Evans was even regarded as a top-50 prospect.

For whatever reasons, Evans only touched the ball 25 times this season, getting 16 rushing attempts and catching nine passes for 87 yards. He turned those 25 touches in 160 total yards and scored a touchdown and on his 320 career rushes, he averaged 5.6 yards per carry.

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The thing could help Evans even more is his ability as a receiver. Even if his stock has dipped a little as a back, he averaged 9.8 yards per reception with Michigan football even if it didn’t throw him the ball enough. That will be a big positive.

I have a hard time seeing Evans go in the first 50 picks or even in the first few rounds, but I think he will get a chance in the NFL. He’s an explosive player and even though he may never be a full-time running back getting 20 carries a game, he could be the ideal 3-down type of back.

Not only does he have good hands, he’s a very good route runner and some NFL teams will probably like the fact that he has only racked up 320 carries in his college career.

Certainly, the Wolverines could have used his talent better but he did miss the 2019 season due to academic reasons. And now that Donovan Edwards, a top recruit is being added to an already deep running back room, it makes sense for Evans to move on.

With all the things he can do, some NFL will be very happy in the player they get.

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