2018 NFL Combine: 10 Players to Watch

7. Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama

Why he’s on this list 

A heat-seeking missile, Evans played just one year of off-ball linebacker at Alabama where he shined flying all over the field and hitting ball carriers with a force belied by his size.

His athleticism is his best trait and he could be a “Player X blew up the combine” guy, underscoring Evans’ potential to be an excellent run-and-chase linebacker as well as someone who can play in coverage.

What he needs to do

It’s not just about the 40 for Evans, who will likely run low 4.6’s or even high 4.5s. For him, his ability to click and close like a safety and move laterally will be on display in the position drills, the three-cone and the short shuttle.

Comparisons to Thomas Davis may be apt, but Davis’ 3-cone was in the 95th percentile of all athletes. Evans doesn’t have to get there, but if he excels in the agility drills, he’ll prove his worth in coverage and likely solidify his spot in Round 1.