NFL Draft: 10 best running backs available in 2023

Bijan Robinson, Texas Longhorns. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Bijan Robinson, Texas Longhorns. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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Sep 17, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Mississippi Rebels running back Zach Evans (6) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Zach Evans, Ole Miss

Zach Evans’ collegiate trajectory was sick. He spent his first two seasons at Texas Christian splitting time with another member of this class, Kendre Miller. He opted to transfer ahead of his junior campaign, landed in the SEC, and had the biggest season of his career. Although TCU went on a tear this season without him, and the Big 12 had solid representation in the college rankings, upgrading weekly competition and improving production is a major bump to Evans’ potential in the future.

After 146 carries, 9 touchdowns, and roughly 1,000 yards between his freshman and sophomore seasons, he racked up 930 yards and 9 TDs with the Rebels in 2022. He is rarely tackled backward and runs with a chip on his shoulder. Think Aaron Jones when you watch his tape, and get lost in the fun of imagining your team snagging him in the fourth or fifth round come April.

Evans got 15 or more touches in four games this past season and collected at least 100 yards in each of those instances. He doesn’t have the most explosive burst or the greatest breakaway speed in the bunch this year, but he stands a chance real at climbing the board with good testing at the combine.