2018 NFL Mock Draft: Browns land Baker Mayfield

RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 04: North Carolina State Wolfpack defensive end Bradley Chubb (9) enters the field before the game between the Clemson Tigers and the NC State Wolfpack on November 04, 2017 at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by William Howard/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 08: Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Rashaan Evans (32) looks on during the College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs on January 8, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

49. . LB. Alabama. Rashaan Evans. 14. player

The Green Bay Packers didn’t quite have the same 2016 magic for a playoff run this season but could certainly find themselves in the playoff hunt again by nailing this draft class. One player who would instantly be a valuable addition to the Pack’s front seven is talented Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans.

The 6-foot-3, 234-pound Evans enjoyed a stellar senior campaign with the Crimson Tide in 2017, logging 74 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks. Like many of the linebackers expected to go in the first round of this draft, Evans possesses great length and athleticism for the position and plays sideline-to-sideline with ease. He’s an excellent tackler and has the ability to play both inside as well as rushing the passer from the edge.

There are concerns about Evans’ long term durability, as he nursed a groin injury last season, but there’s no doubt that he was a standout in an absolutely loaded Crimson Tide front seven.

With Clay Matthews in his age 31 season and slated to hit free agency after next season, it’s possible that Green Bay will be looking to find his eventual replacement in this draft. Thankfully, this spot offers them a few options to either grab the linebacker of their choice, or trade down to add another skill position piece for Aaron Rodgers and the offense. In this scenario, however, Evans would be a great selection with the 14th-overall pick.

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