NFL Draft Profile: Mark Evans II, Offensive Lineman, Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions
Mark Evans II
Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions
#78
Pos: iOL
Ht: 6026
Wt: 303
Hand: 1038
Arm: 3238
Wing: 7900
40: 5.44
Hometown: Houston, TX
High School: C.E. King
Eligibility: 2023
Evaluation:
A self-described finesse lineman who can get dirty when needed, Evans II is one of the more intriguing prospects inside the trenches. A fifth-year senior and immediate impact starter at left tackle as a true freshman, this player comes with size and length concerns. Evans II lacks prototype NFL left tackle height, so teams will need to decide where they view him best. He demonstrates excellent mirror-blocking skills and hand placement in pass protection. In the run game, he puts his footwork to good use as a second-level and pull blocker, creating wide run lanes for the ball carrier. The humble big man is known for his notorious work ethic, toughness, technique and endurance, according to his coaches. He compares himself to Isaiah Wynn, as someone who lacks ideal measurables but has spent the majority of his career playing left tackle. While some evaluators may want to kick him inside to guard, a move to center might be his best long-term outlook in the pros.
Quotes:
"He's disciplined in his approach. He plays the right way all the time, every single time. He takes coaching. He's had various coaches throughout his career, and he's taken every coach's little nuggets and put it in his toolbox. That's what made him better, every single year." – Arkansas Pine-Bluff head Coach coach Doc Gamble.
Background:
Four-time First Team All-SWAC and 2022 William Roaf Award Winner, he allowed just two sacks during his final season. Part of a senior offensive line unit dubbed ‘The Moving Crew.’ The Houston native was living with his mom and four other people in a one-bedroom apartment during his senior year of high school after they lost their home in Hurricane Harvey. He was not allowed to play football growing up due to weight restrictions, so he did not begin playing until the seventh grade. He has a younger brother Jessie, who is a linebacker at Prairie View A&M. He Majored in biology. He attended C.E. King High School. Played at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. As a freshman, he played nine games, contributing to a very strong offense and great offensive line. During his sophomore season, he started in all eleven games at left tackle, contributing to an offensive line that allowed the second-lowest amount of sacks in the SWAC. Named to the 2019 First-Team All-SWAC. As a junior, he played eight games, contributing to an outstanding offensive line. During his senior year, he started in nine games, contributing to a fantastic rushing offense. He received the Phil Steele FCS Offensive Lineman of the Year Award. He declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.
