Evan Hull is entering his rookie year with the Indianapolis Colts. Hull was selected by the Colts in the fifth round (176th overall pick) of the 2023 NFL Draft. 11 running backs were drafted ahead of him, including guys like Zach Charbonnet and Devon Achane. Hull isn’t as well-known as other rookie running backs like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs. Yet, it’s still possible that he can be an impact player this season.
Colts’ Evan Hull Could Be Primed for a Great Rookie Season
Star at Northwestern
It took a while for Hull to emerge as the go-to option for the Northwestern Wildcats. He played just 14 games during his first two seasons, rushing for 495 yards and six touchdowns. However, the running back finally broke out in 2021, picking up 1,009 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. He also added 33 receptions for 264 yards and two touchdowns.
Last season, Hull ran for 913 yards and five touchdowns. He also contributed in the passing game, catching 55 passes for 546 yards and two scores. In addition, he returned nine kicks for 181 yards. The Maple Grove, Minnesota native became only the 16th player since 2000 to average over 75 rushing yards and 45 receiving yards per game during a season.
He Could Become the Colts’ Lead Back
The Colts drafted Hull to serve as a third-down back. He was expected to play behind Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss, and compete with Deon Jackson as the team’s third-string running back. However, both Taylor and Moss have missed time during training camp and the preseason.
Taylor, who is nursing an ankle injury, is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform List (PUP), meaning he’ll miss at least the first four games of the season. The 2021 NFL rushing leader is seeking a contract extension and has demanded a trade.
It remains to be seen whether Taylor will be traded before the October 31 trade deadline. If he does get moved, Hull could eventually step up and replace him as the Colts’ lead back this season.
Possibly the Tyler Allgeier/Isiah Pacheco of the 2023-24 season
Tyler Allgeier and Isiah Pacheco are two running backs who were selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. Overlooked during the big event, Allgeier (fifth round, 151st overall pick) and Pacheco (seventh round, 251st overall) are proof that you don’t have to be drafted in the first four rounds to have a standout rookie season.
Allgeier rushed for 1,035 yards (14-best in the league) for the Atlanta Falcons last season. He earned a spot on the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) All-Rookie Team for his efforts. Meanwhile, Pacheco recorded 830 rushing yards and five touchdowns in 2022. The former Rutgers star also helped Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowl LVII over the Philadelphia Eagles.
If Taylor is shipped out of town and Moss is sidelined due to injury, Hull could very well step up and enjoy an Allgeier/Pacheco type of season for the Colts. The 5-foot-10, 209-pound Hull is basically a jack of all trades. He’s a solid ball carrier and is capable of catching passes out of the backfield. Expect him to become one of the biggest steals of the 2023 NFL Draft.
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