NFL Draft Profile: Akayleb Evans, Cornerback, Missouri Tigers
#26
Pos: CB
Ht: 6020
Wt: 197
Hand: 0868
Arm: 3200
Wing: 7458
40: 4.46
Vertical: 36
Broad Jump: 1009
DOB: 12/27/96
Eligible: 2022
McKinney, TX
McKinney High School
Akayleb Evans
Missouri Tigers
Pros:
Evans aligns mostly as an outside corner and also shows versatility by lining up in the slot as well. He shows physicality at the line of scrimmage when playing up in press coverage. While playing in press, he also demonstrates very good patience to wait for the receiver to make his move, rather than biting on a head fake or another move. The Missouri corner is an aggressive run defender who is not afraid of contact or making challenging tackles. Shows good communication skills in zone coverage by signaling to his teammates when a receiver is being passed off to the deeper part of the zone scheme. Mirrors receivers well from his original starting position when he gets physical with him at the line to disrupt their route stem. Stays in the hip pocket of receivers who go vertical. Has good initial quickness and speed to read and react to underneath throws or keep up with his assignment crossing the field. Evans shows solid hip fluidity to turn his body on a short notice. He can play squared up to the receiver or with outside leverage. Throughout the season, he has contributed on the kick return, kickoff coverage, punt return, punt coverage and field goal block units.
Cons:
Evans doesn’t have great foot speed within his backpedal to quickly change directions in order to adapt to the receiver’s route in off-coverage. Overall long speed is a question mark as he has shorter strides and isn’t the fastest guy. His frame isn’t the most favorable in terms of projection because he is thin with not much length. He may be limited to a slot role at the next level. Needs to be careful in coverage when he gets grabby as he is tracking the receivers’ movements. Limited ball skills in general because of the lack of length and recover ability. He is sometimes pretty sloppy with his footwork as he moves laterally across the field. Overall strength and balance is sub-par when he is challenged as a run defender or in coverage. Wasn’t challenged alot in the air on 50/50 balls. Durability is a long-term concern because of injuries.
Summary:
A former Tulsa cornerback, Akayleb Evans transferred to Missouri for his final collegiate season. He is a thinner cornerback with good height, but a lack of length. Evans is extremely physical at the line of scrimmage in press coverage, who can also mirror well from that position. He is not a liability in the run game whatsoever, as he is more than willing to come up in run defense to make a play. His overall athelticism will be tested at the next level because of his lack of pure foot speed and grab tendencies. He may be better fitted inside as a nickel because of his size and play strengths.
Background:
Born in Wyandanch, New York. Hometown is McKinney, Texas and attended McKinney HS. Two-star recruit according to the 247Sports Composite. Served as co-vice president of the Black Men’s Initiative on Tulsa’s campus. Began his own charity (Akayleb Evans Foundation) in his hometown. Favorite NFL team is the Dallas Cowboys. Favorite NFL player is Patrick Peterson. Lebron James is his favorite athlete. Favorite movie is Remember the Titans. One word that he uses to describe himself is “ambitious.” Has played football since the age of 9. Has two older siblings. Parents are Calvin and Nita Evans. Majoring in organizational studies.
One-Liners
Evans is a high-motor player who contributes to all facets of the game, especially as a press-man corner. He is an average athlete who struggles with ball skills.
Grades
Current Player Value/Potential Player Value
7.4 / 7.8
Floor/Ceiling: Rotational-Special Teams/Spot Starter
Scheme Fit: Slot with outside versatility
Grade: Late 4th/Early 5th
Injury History: Missed three games in 2018 due to an injury. Suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in 2019. Missed one game in 2021 due to a soft-tissue injury.
Character Notes: Excellent background with what he has done and been involved in. Hard to not root for somebody like him.
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