Mark Evans II Begins His NFL Journey With Saints
"If the Saints "take a shot on me, I'll be deeply grateful for it," Mark Evans II said before the 2023 NFL Draft. "I really want to go out there and do my best and let them know they didn't make a bad decision." Well, the Saints made the decision, and Evans accepted.
New Orleans offered Evans a contract valued at $240K as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Today, he'll have his opportunity as the team opens its 2023 rookie minicamp in Metairie, LA. Evans will face heavy competition against several interior linemen vying for a spot on the 90-man training camp roster. Two other rookies hoping to make the o-line unit with Evans will be fourth-round draft pick Nick Saldiveri (Old Dominion) and undrafted free-agent Alex Pihlstrom (Illinois). Last season's injuries to starters Andrus Peat and Cesar Ruiz will be closely examined and may open the door for one of these rookies.
The rookie offensive lineman will enter the Saints' locker room following in the footsteps of his friend and mentor, Terron Armstead. "Terron has definitely been a help to me, as far as just giving me advice on what I can expect going through this process. He has been a help and big brother in mentoring me, giving me any advice I need, and answering questions. He'll take time to help me out."
It's a familiar path for Evans, just at a higher level. Over the past four years at UAPB, Evans has consistently held the position of offensive left tackle, like his predecessor Terron Armstead. As a freshman, the Houston native arrived on campus with round spectacles, short dreads, standing 6-3 and weighing 295 pounds. Admittedly, he can be a nerd, but cooler, as Evans would say. After finishing his undergraduate studies, he pursued his master's degree while simultaneously preparing for the 2023 NFL Draft. Scouts and executives highly value intelligence in interior offensive linemen.
Only two HBCU players, Evans and LB Isaiah Land from Florida A&M (Dallas Cowboys), received invitations to the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. "It didn't quite go as planned, but the experience was great," Evans shared with Saints News Network. Unlike Armstead's legendary Combine's 4.71 40-yard dash, Evans posted 5.44 seconds in the 40. He projects to be either a guard or center at the NFL level; Evans welcomes either position. And the New Orleans decision-makers were watching him the whole time.
At the Combine, while speaking with the New Orleans scouts, Evans' ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line was the main topic of discussion. "They [New Orleans] just like my versatility and what I had to offer. As far as being able to play on the interior and outside at tackle," Evans remarked.
Armstead, one of the top players for the Saints, has left a significant mark in New Orleans by safeguarding the quarterbacks' blindside for eight seasons, including Drew Brees, Teddy Bridgewater, Jameis Winston, and Taysom Hill. Mark Evans II hopes to emulate the stellar career of his fellow Golden Lions alum while carving his name into the hearts and minds of Saints fans.
During the offseason, he has been improving certain aspects of his game. Initially, he focused on enhancing his lower-body strength and control. He must utilize his size and strength to gain leverage against defensive tackles who will attempt to bull-rush him in the interior. Regardless, his initial punch, hand placement, and agility are assets for the Saints, especially on screen plays and sweeps.
Mark Evans also admires former Saints offensive tackle and Pro Football Hall of Famer Willie Roaf. He was last year's recipient of Arkansas' Willie Roaf Award, presented to him by the New Orleans legend. Roaf made an impact on Evans at the 2022 Offensive Line Masterminds conference. "Watching Willie Roaf succumb to tears while talking about his time with the Saints and then moving on to the Chiefs. He cried, saying how much the city [New Orleans] meant to him."
Armstead wore No. 72. Evans will don jersey No. 73. Hopefully, it will be the birth of an outstanding career for the young player in New Orleans.
