X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Join the Best Live Fantasy Chat Community!

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
Fantasy Updates
24x7 News and Alerts

Zach Evans Fantasy Football Profile - NFL Rookie Sleeper

The Los Angeles backfield has been unsettled and wide-open since Todd Gurley left town. Fantasy managers have grown through stints of Darrell Henderson Jr. and the return of Cam Akers. While Akers is undoubtedly the favorite to be the team's starter, how safe is his job? Just last year, he had requested a trade, and the Rams were said to be taking calls to try and accommodate his wishes. When no team proposed a reasonable offer, the Rams and Akers were forced to reconcile for the remainder of the season. Whether that was done to try to increase his trade value or because the team was truly going to move forward with the third-year running back is unknown.

What we do know is that Akers did enough with his second opportunity to have earned himself another chance as the team's lead rusher. However, 2023 marks the final season of his rookie contract, and there are plenty of questions regarding his future in Los Angeles. If the team does not have plans of re-signing Akers, could they turn to their sixth-round rookie Zach Evans to see if there's a future for him?

While investing in the Los Angeles backfield is not for the faint of heart, Evans does have some sleeper appeal largely due to a depressed cost that allows fantasy managers to invest essentially for free. The options behind Akers are not imposing, which could result in Evans working as a change-of-pace back behind Akers early. Could he be a second-half sleeper if the Rams' season goes south? Let’s dive in, and don't forget to use promo code "BOOM" for 10% off of any premium purchase!

Featured Promo: Battle it out on Bettle with your season-long lineups! Join the free RotoBaller weekly contests on Bettle -- just important your season-long lineups and enter! Winners get a free year of RotoBaller Premium access for all sports ($450 value) plus another free $50 in Bettle credits! Join Now!

 

Zach Evans Prospect Profile

Evans was a five-star recruit who signed with TCU after an illustrious high school career that included nearly 5,000 yards and 76 rushing touchdowns. He appeared in nine games as a true freshman with the Horned Frogs and rushed for 415 yards on just 54 carries. He was able to find the end zone four times. Despite the limited number of touches, Evan wasted no time displaying his explosiveness.

Evans averaged 7.7 yards per carry, which ranked fifth among running backs with at least 50 carries, according to PFF. He also finished third with an impressive 5.76 yards after contact per attempt. 22.2% of his carries went for at least 10 yards, displaying his ability to hit big plays. This is a skillset Akers failed to display in his return to his starting role last season. Evans does things that Akers hasn't shown the ability to do with regularity.

The injury concerns began during his sophomore season when he missed six games due to a toe injury. Despite this, he still led TCU in rushing, ending his 2021 season with 648 yards on just 92 carries. Once again, he impressed with a seven-yard per-carry average. The same explosiveness he displayed as a freshman still popped in his second year. According to PFF, he finished with 4.30 yards after contact per attempt, which ranked 12th among running backs with 75 carries.

Following the 2021 season, Evans transferred to Ole Miss. He played in 12 games in 2022 but still missed time due to injuries. His final season was his most productive yet. He finished with 930 rushing yards on 144 carries. For the third straight season, Evans posted an excellent yard-per-carry average, ending with a 6.5 average. Among running backs with at least 100 carries, this was the 13th-best. He finished with 33 rushes of over 10 yards, which was the 25th-most, despite being just 89th in carries. Over three collegiate seasons, he rushed for 10 yards on 21.3% of his carries.

While Evans offers high home-run ability as a rusher, he was modestly used in the passing game over three seasons and two different universities. He ended his collegiate career with 43 targets, 30 receptions, 325 yards, and a 1.35-yard-per-route run average. Sports Info Solutions scout Matthew Kupec had this to say about his skillset in the passing game,

"Evans is a mediocre contributor to the passing game. He can be a serviceable pass catcher on basic screens and check down responsibilities, but he does not provide much value outside of that. While he has a solid frame with sufficient strength, he doesn't translate that to being a sufficient pass protector."

 

Zach Evans Fantasy Football Expectations

Last year, the Rams' running backs combined for 320 carries, 1,310 yards, and 11 touchdowns. Unfortunately, there's been very little work for the team's running backs when it comes to involvement in the passing game. In 2022, the Rams finished 30th in running back targets with just 63. They were 31st in 2021 with 76 targets, 30th in 2020 with 71, and 32nd in 2019 with 61. That means that if Evans is to be fantasy-relevant this season, he'll need to do so on the ground.

This will be difficult for Evans, especially with how Akers closed the 2022 season. He finished with three straight games with 100 yards or more. With him locked into the starter role, there likely will not be enough work for Evans to be a viable option for fantasy managers this season. With a depth chart of just Kyren Williams and Ronnie Rivers, it shouldn't be too difficult to work himself into the No. 2 role for the Rams.

His complementary skillset could lead to a role where Evans sees 6–8 touches per game, but Akers will likely remain the goal-line running back. As previously discussed, there's historically been little passing work dedicated to the running back position. This kind of workload will keep Evans solely in the handcuff category.

There is upside for him in the event that Akers misses time. There is also the possibility that if the Rams are eliminated from postseason contention, the coaching staff could decide to give Evans a bigger role in an attempt to see if he has the potential as their future starter. It's unlikely the team will re-sign Akers, which would give them the chance to see how Evans handles a bigger load.

If Akers were to struggle with his efficiency, it's also possible for Evans to earn a bigger touch share over time. Fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting much early from Evans, but he has the potential to be a flex-level player in the second half of the season. He's currently being drafted as the RB62 with an ADP of 204.3, roughly the beginning of the 17th round.

As a reminder, if you're interested in purchasing any of our premium packages for the upcoming fantasy football season, use promo code "BOOM" to receive a 10% discount.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!




Win Big With RotoBaller

Be sure to also check out all of our other daily fantasy football articles and analysis to help you set those winning lineups, including this new RotoBaller YouTube video:

More NFL Rookie Profiles




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
Fantasy Updates
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Manny Machado20 mins ago

Undergoes Elbow Surgery
Deni Avdija1 hour ago

Limited At Tuesday's Training Camp
Khris Middleton1 hour ago

Doesn't Practice With Bucks Tuesday
Chet Holmgren2 hours ago

Fully Healthy At Training Camp
LeBron James2 hours ago

Appears On Track For Opening Night
Kyle Lowry3 hours ago

Believes He Will Start
Klay Thompson3 hours ago

To Guard Power Forwards At Times
Buffalo Bills6 hours ago

Von Miller Hopes To Play In Week 5 Against The Jaguars
Alex Newhook6 hours ago

Expected To Be In Canadiens Lineup To Start Regular Season
Joel Armia6 hours ago

Expected To Be Available For Start Of Season
Rhys Hoskins7 hours ago

To Stay Ready In Florida
Luis Arraez7 hours ago

Returns For Game 1 Of Wild-Card Series
Jameson Williams7 hours ago

Says He's "Ready To Go"
Ja Morant9 hours ago

Permitted To Travel, Practice During Suspension
Kristaps Porzingis9 hours ago

"Ready To Go" For Training Camp
James Harden9 hours ago

Expected To Join 76ers In Colorado
Pat Freiermuth11 hours ago

"Doubtful" To Play In Week 5
Kenny Pickett11 hours ago

Scheduled To Practice Wednesday
Royce Lewis12 hours ago

Hitting Third In Return To Twins Lineup
Michael Lorenzen12 hours ago

Left Off Roster, Orion Kerkering Included
Cole Perfetti12 hours ago

Returns To Action With An Assist
Byron Buxton12 hours ago

Left Off Roster For Wild-Card Series
Jakub Vrana12 hours ago

Enjoying Good Preseason With Blues
Tampa Bay Rays12 hours ago

Jose Siri Makes Playoff Roster, Luke Raley Left Off
Torey Krug12 hours ago

Logs Over 24 Minutes In Preseason Debut
Jesper Bratt13 hours ago

Totals Four Points Versus Islanders
Joonas Korpisalo13 hours ago

Shuts Out Penguins With 40 Saves
New England Patriots13 hours ago

Matthew Judon To Have Surgery, Expected To Miss At Least Two Months
Pavel Francouz13 hours ago

Ruled Out For Start Of Season
Jameson Williams13 hours ago

To Debut In Supporting Role
Mike Evans13 hours ago

Undergoing MRI Exam
Anthony Davis15 hours ago

Aims To Play In All 82 Regular-Season Games
Larry Nance15 hours ago

Pelicans Hope To Have Larry Nance Jr. Ready For Season Opener
Zion Williamson16 hours ago

Worked On Being "Unguardable" In Offseason
Kenrich Williams16 hours ago

Fully Healthy Ahead Of New Season
Cameron Johnson16 hours ago

Misses Start Of Training Camp
Christian Koloko16 hours ago

Ruled Out Indefinitely
Geno Smith23 hours ago

Avoids Serious Injury
Pat Freiermuth23 hours ago

Likely Out 2-3 Weeks
Joe Ryan23 hours ago

To Start Game 3 If Needed
Philadelphia Phillies24 hours ago

Trea Turner Healthy For Wild-Card Series
Darren Waller24 hours ago

Has Another Dreadful Performance In Week 4
Javonte Williams24 hours ago

Shouldn't Miss Much Time
Daniel Jones1 day ago

Sacked 11 Times In Blowout Loss
Corbin Burnes1 day ago

To Start Game 1 Against Diamondbacks
Byron Buxton1 day ago

Unlikely To Be On Roster For Wild-Card Series
Carlos Correa1 day ago

Royce Lewis, Carlos Correa Expected To Be Ready For Wild-Card Series
Jordan Montgomery1 day ago

To Start Game 1 Of Wild-Card Series
Geno Smith1 day ago

Returns In The Second Half
Geno Smith1 day ago

Questionable To Return With Knee Injury
Bones Hyland1 day ago

Likely To Be Backup Point Guard
Seattle Seahawks1 day ago

Jamal Adams Will Not Return On Monday Night
Trey Murphy1 day ago

III Could Be Back In November
Domantas Sabonis1 day ago

Is Fully Healthy
Kevin Gausman1 day ago

To Start Game 1 Of Wild-Card Series
Bryce McGowens1 day ago

Dealing With Minor Injury
Gordon Hayward1 day ago

Healthy Entering Camp
Matthew Stafford1 day ago

"Should Be Good" For Week 5
Kyren Williams1 day ago

Dealing With Hip Contusion
Saquon Barkley1 day ago

Officially Inactive On Monday Night
Radim Simek1 day ago

Opening Night Availability In Doubt
Ivan Miroshnichenko1 day ago

Getting Strong Opportunity With Capitals
Jansen Harkins1 day ago

Claimed Off Waivers By Penguins
Trevor Zegras1 day ago

Ducks Agree To Three-Year Deal
Dallas Cowboys1 day ago

Cowboys Not Concerned With Micah Parsons' Injury
Josh Manson1 day ago

Expected To Be Ready For Opening Night
New England Patriots1 day ago

Matthew Judon, Christian Gonzalez Out Indefinitely
Buffalo Bills1 day ago

Tre'Davious White Done For The Year
Evan Mobley1 day ago

Adds Seven Pounds Of Muscle
Minnesota Twins1 day ago

Royce Lewis Unsure If He'll Be Ready For Wild-Card Series
Brandon Woodruff1 day ago

To Miss Wild-Card Series With Shoulder Injury
Luis Arraez1 day ago

Expected To Return In Game 1?
Max Scherzer2 days ago

Limited To Flat-Ground Work
Brandon Pfaadt2 days ago

To Start Game 1 For D-Backs
Martin Truex Jr2 days ago

. Finishes 19th At Talladega
Alex Bowman2 days ago

Starts Strong But Finishes Poorly At Talladega
Drake Batherson2 days ago

Racks Up Four Points In Preseason Win
Kyle Busch2 days ago

Underwhelms At Talladega
Matthew Knies2 days ago

Shining In Preseason
Filip Chytil2 days ago

Progressing From Upper-Body Injury
Brad Keselowski2 days ago

Earns Crucial Stage Win At Talladega
Daniil Tarasov2 days ago

Doubtful For Start Of Season
Kyle Palmieri2 days ago

Has Started Skating But Remains Absent For Islanders
Samuel Savoie2 days ago

Undergoes Successful Surgery
Kevin Harvick2 days ago

Has Runner-Up Finish Stripped Due To DQ
Denny Hamlin2 days ago

Championship Hopes In Great Shape After Talladega
Ryan Blaney2 days ago

Wins Talladega, Advances To Round Of Eight
Jesús Luzardo2 days ago

Jesus Luzardo Set To Start Game 1
Tampa Bay Rays2 days ago

Tyler Glasnow Expected To Start Game 1 Of Wild-Card Series
Cole Sillinger2 days ago

Might Start Campaign In AHL
2 days ago

Brandon Sutter Announces Retirement
NASCAR3 days ago

J.J Yeley Tries To Duplicate Spring Talladega Magic
Kyle Larson3 days ago

Begins Fourth At Talladega On Sunday
Erik Jones3 days ago

Contends Well At Talladega And It Shows
Ryan Preece3 days ago

Could Use A Little Luck At Talladega
Austin Dillon3 days ago

Starts 14th At Talladega On Sunday
Brennan Poole3 days ago

Could Move Up On Sunday
Daniel Suarez3 days ago

Keeps Improving At Talladega
Harrison Burton3 days ago

Has Some Good News Sunday
Austin Cindric3 days ago

Cracks Top Ten In Qualifying
Ryan Blaney3 days ago

Likes To Lead Laps At Talladega
NASCAR3 days ago

Bubba Wallace Runs Well At Talladega
Tyler Reddick3 days ago

Starts 13th At Talladega On Sunday Again
Chase Elliott3 days ago

Worth A Shot At Talladega
Alex Bowman3 days ago

Will Start 20th At Talladega

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP