College: Notre Dame
College Position: Y-tight end (60% slot / 40% in line in 2024)
Ideal NFL Position: Y-tight end
Year / Age: Senior / 21 (turns 22 in March)
Height: 6’5
Weight: 260 lbs
Draft Projection: Round 5
Where I’d Take Him: Late Round 3 / Early Round 4
Mitchell Evans took a winding path to become one of Notre Dame’s most reliable offensive weapons. A former high school quarterback who transitioned to tight end (per 24/7 Sports), Evans steadily rose through the ranks in South Bend before becoming a crucial part of the Irish offense over the past two seasons. Although his raw stats may not be impressive, his impact extended far beyond the box score.
Notre Dame’s offensive philosophy focused on the run game and conservative passing concepts, which limited Evans' production. Nevertheless, he maximized his opportunities, catching 43 passes for 418 yards and three touchdowns in 2024, following a 422-yard season the year before. His role also evolved throughout his career—he primarily played in line in 2023 but shifted to more slot work in 2024. Despite this transition, his NFL future likely lies as a traditional Y-tight end, where he can utilize his size and hands to influence the game as both a safety valve in the passing game and an inline blocker.
Evans stepped up during crucial moments, especially in late-game scenarios and on third downs, proving to be a reliable option for his quarterbacks. He also showed up when the lights were brightest, delivering impressive performances in the College Football Playoffs. His knack for making contested catches and battling for tough yards makes him an appealing mid-round target for teams looking for a steady, dependable tight end.
Notre Dame TE Mitchell Evans #buildingtheboard
— Luke O’Grady (@LukeOGrady) February 19, 2025
Projected: ~150
Where I'd take him: ~100 (4th rounder)
Man I love Mitchell Evans game. Just a fun player to watch.
It's a shame this years draft class is as stacked as it is at TE or I think folks would be talking about him a lot… pic.twitter.com/mBPkH9YnFY
Mitchell Evans may not be a flashy prospect, but he’s a dependable football player who could carve out a long career as a reliable, well-rounded Y-tight end. He’s got a little Kyle Rudolph to his game—big, dependable, and always in the right position when his team needs him the most. He has also drawn comparisons to Zach Miller due to his ability to make tough catches and his skill for finding soft spots in coverage.
For the Bears, Evans could serve as a TE2 behind Cole Kmet, particularly if they aim to incorporate more two tight-end formations. His capacity to contribute as a pass-catcher while continuing to develop as a blocker would make him a nice depth player who could evolve into a more significant role over time. While he may not be a game-breaking weapon, he’s the type of player likely to remain in the league for an extended period.
Pro Comp: Kyle Rudolph
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