In a press conference after the Tennessee Titans drafted Darrynton Evans out of App State, Jon Robinson and Mike Vrabel stopped short of saying they would use this guy all over the field, despite his having the exact skill set desired out of Dion Lewis and bringing another element of electricity to the offense. They’re going to “see how much he can handle.” I get it. You don’t want to immediately lump a ton of expectations upon the kid. And, you never really know how things are going to pan out – especially in an offseason that’s going to be shortened like this. So, you manage those expectations. Nobody’s going to get their hopes up, or bring up some promise from draft night when it doesn’t go according to plan…yadda yadda yadda.
But, and this might be breaking news to some, I’m not a football coach or a general manager in the NFL. I’m not beholden to any sort of code. I don’t have to manage expectations. I’m just a shitheel writer. So, I can say that if all goes well, this dude is going to be an absolute ROCKET in the Titans offense. This staff HAS to be looking at this dude’s potential and salivating. If someone isn’t calling boner alert on Arthur Smith right now, the dude isn’t breathing.
Evans is an explosive runner who can absolutely gash defenses. He puts one foot in the ground, cuts, and GOES. But, he’s also a tough, patient runner. This really is what Lewis should’ve been, except with the bonus of absolute blazing speed. Some of his highlights, I swear, remind me of Chris Johnson in terms of home run hitting ability. What’s most impressive? This dude carried the ball 482 times, and NEVER fumbled.
So, the response from the Titans fan base to the drafting of Darrynton Evans has been a bit polarizing. Specifically, there are two takes out there that I don’t get:
- Why would you spend a third round pick on a back-up running back? He’s only here to let King Henry catch his breath.
- Evans is the contingency plan for Henry not signing long-term.
Don’t get it – Won’t get it.
What a misguided way to think on both counts. This team came close to playing in a Super Bowl a season ago. The window is open for the Titans and they’re trying to win now. This offense also needed another electric, dynamic play-maker. Just because they didn’t draft a wide receiver doesn’t mean they didn’t address that need. Would you guys have felt better had they drafted a wide receiver? Is that the issue? ‘Cause this dude is going to see the field (assuming he can handle whatever Vrabes throws at him).
They can use Evans in a number of packages. Not to mention, the dude can return kicks/punts. If you’re looking for a replacement for Derrick Henry, why would you draft a speed guy who some scouts called undersized? Like…they don’t have the same skill set. I don’t know how you can watch Darrynton Evans on tape and think, “ah, yeah…that’s our featured back if they don’t sign Henry long-term.”
That’s not what he was drafted to be. I’m willing to bet that the Titans brass is looking at this kid’s skill set and productivity and thinking he’s the missing piece on offense.
MORE 2020 NFL DRAFT COVERAGE
2020 NFL Draft: First Round Winners And Losers
2020 Tennessee Titans Draft Recap
Day 2 Players Available For The Titans
Don’t Deny Isaiah Wilson’s Mama A Hug On Draft Night
For 12 Years Now, An Alabama Player Is Drafted In The First Round
The Tennessee Titans Select Isaiah Wilson
The Titans Get A Steal In Kristian Fulton In Round 2
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
Check out the SoBros Shop. Become a Patron. Give us money for no reason. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork. Watch on YouTube.
