2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Joe Evans, EDGE, Iowa
Player Data
| Name, Jersey # | Joe Evans, #13 |
| School (Code) | IAUN |
| DOB, Class Yr | 6/29/1999, Senior |
| Height, Weight | 6020, 252 |
| Position/Depth | EDGE/1st |
| Honors/Captainship | Player council |
| Season Viewed (yr) | 2023 |
| Games Watched | PAST, IAST, WIUN |
| Scout Name / Date | Bryan Ault, 11-14-2023 |
Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)
| 2022 | 13 GP, 41 T, 6.5 Sacks |
| 2021 | 14 GP, 34 T, 7 Sacks |
| 2020 | 8 GP, 6 T, 4 Sacks |
| 2019 | RS |
Player Summary:
Senior. OLB/Edge prospect. Spoke with an assistant coach who speaks highly of his character. Former walk-on and high school quarterback who the coach describes as “the glue of our team” and an “absolute stud of a human being.” On the field tells a different picture, but could be due to his relative lack of experience at the position. Is a marginal run defender and below-average pass rusher. As a run defender, he is marginal. Good open-field tackler when he is able to get free, and takes good angles to RBs, can slant inside and take on interior blockers. Solid run defender in the flat. Flashes good instincts. Has a tough time shedding blocks and plays a little too high. Needs to work on keeping his hands tighter instead of exposing his chest. Got really manhandled v. PAST; driven to the ground one v one and taken for a ride when double teamed. Not much anchor strength/too easy to move. As a pass rusher he is marginal to poor. Does not flash any edge speed or explosiveness and wasn’t around the ball much in the games viewed. Lack of ability to shed blocks really hurts him here. Gets neutralized one-on-one too much and struggles to generate pressure especially v. better opponents like PAST. Mixed bag.
Scheme Fit:
EDGE in a 3-4.
Power Statement:
Evans has a playing history of contributing on both sides of the ball. He looks out of position to be a quality edge prospect in the pros. He could be a better fit as a stand-up LB where he can roam free more. With his positive character attributes, he could be an invite if a spot is needed.
