Bills expected to sign Darrynton Evans, RB. (now signed to 1 year deal)

[billsbackto81]

By looking at his highlights he's the slowest 4.41 guy I've ever seen.

[Don Otreply]

Never heard of them, 

[John from Riverside]

3 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

Crikey. There must be better available on the street than him.

I mean, does it really matter whoever they sign is probably just training camp fodder

[Buffalo Boy]

3 hours ago, Fleezoid said:

 

This reminds me of my childhood. We never had a lot of money so my parents always ended up buying me the knock-offs. 

Hydrox cookies instead of Oreo’s

Still effing scarred!

[Starr Almighty]

This brought excitement to my day 

[Chaos]

3 hours ago, RobbRiddick said:

There's no way Darrynton is a real name. He clearly made this up to get noticed. 

have you met his other brother Darrynton?

[DJB]

He backed up D Henry so clearly he is a bruising power type back

[Richard Noggin]

7 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

Crikey. There must be better available on the street than him.

 

Say...more?

[mrags]

I’ve heard of hi…… oh wait. Never heard of him. Doesn’t matter. Don’t care. He’s a camp body and won’t even make the practice team. 

[Richard Noggin]

5 hours ago, BuffaloBillyG said:

Just watched a bit of highlights. Not fast, but shifty/slick running style. Actually reminded me a bit of Blacksheer. Seems like a lack of break away speed. Real nose for the end and finishes off runs well. Guy looks like a hitman inside the 5. Haven't seen him as a receiver yet.

 

5 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

He reminds me a lot of Singletary.

 

100% what I thought of when reading @BuffaloBillyG's assessment. 

 

Can either of you compare that to Evans for my uninformed self (giving me a comparison across unified evaluation)?

[BobbyC81]

8 hours ago, Heavy Kevi said:

I'm kind of shocked it's not Taiwan Jones

 

But I'm ok with it. Hines was likely to play a very small role outside of returning, and I would guess now we just take the ball at the 25 whenever possible this year. 

I hate that new rule.  There’s nothing like the home fans getting excited about the opening kickoff.  Now there likely will be an anticlimactic fair catch?  Ugh!  

[GunnerBill]

3 hours ago, Richard Noggin said:

 

Say...more?

 

Couldn't get on the field in Tennessee who were willing to cut their losses on a day 2 pick after 2 seasons. That isn't a ringing endorsement.

[Doc Brown]

3 hours ago, BobbyC81 said:

I hate that new rule.  There’s nothing like the home fans getting excited about the opening kickoff.  Now there likely will be an anticlimactic fair catch?  Ugh!  

I don't like that they put it in well after the start of free agency and the draft with only a one year trial period.  The Bills as we know value Special Teams when making free agency signings and draft picks.  Squib kicks are too volatile and most teams just prefer to take it at the 25 so they don't get called for a penalty that will set them back or have a player injured.  The slight chance of a significant kick return isn't worth the risk for most teams.  Maybe it will be for the Bills who should stress the opponents kick off coverage if they feel they have the significant advantage in Special Teams personnel.  Maybe losing Hines changes that thought depending on Harty's acumen.

[BillsFanForever19]

42 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

Couldn't get on the field in Tennessee who were willing to cut their losses on a day 2 pick after 2 seasons. That isn't a ringing endorsement.

 

He had issues with injuries. Also D'Onta Foreman rose into a very solid RB for them during his time there. 

 

He never really had much of an opportunity. So they see untapped potential. And ultimately, Beane brought in Hines for his speed, receiving ability, and return ability. He wanted another RB like that. Evans fits that same type of build. 

[Kirby Jackson]

I liked him better than Zack Moss coming out 🤷🏻‍♂️. That’s not saying much as neither is any good. Hopefully a fresh start gives him a chance to be a depth back.

[GunnerBill]

13 minutes ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

He had issues with injuries. Also D'Onta Foreman rose into a very solid RB for them during his time there. 

 

He never really had much of an opportunity. So they see untapped potential. And ultimately, Beane brought in Hines for his speed, receiving ability, and return ability. He wanted another RB like that. Evans fits that same type of build. 

 

You don't give up on a day 2 pick after two years just because it is crowded in front of him. You do that because you determined he can't play at the level required. Since then he managed to earn just 14 attempts with the Bears and then was cut after OTAs by the Colts. It doesn't mean it is impossible that he suddenly breaks out into a legit NFL running back but I think the odds are very firmly stacked against. And his receiving ability is a total tbc... he has 7 targets and 5 receptions for a career. I get it he offers some return ability and got on the field a bit for that as a rookie. If what the Bills really wanted to do here was just add another guy to the camp mix as a returner I suppose I get it. If they were looking to strengthen the running back room I maintain - there are better alternatives on the street. 

 

3 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

I liked him better than Zack Moss coming out 🤷🏻‍♂️. That’s not saying much as neither is any good. Hopefully a fresh start gives him a chance to be a depth back.

 

Well the Colts had him in for a cup of coffee in OTAs and stuck with Zack. So it doesn't say a lot. 

Edited July 25, 2023 by GunnerBill

[Kirby Jackson]

2 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Well the Colts had him in for a cup of coffee in OTAs and stuck with Zack. So it doesn't say a lot. 

The same Indianapolis Colts that traded a 1st & 3rd for Carson Wentz?

[GunnerBill]

5 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

The same Indianapolis Colts that traded a 1st & 3rd for Carson Wentz?

 

The very same. Although we know their QB calls were driven by Frank Reich he has admitted as much. It is what got him fired. 

 

I think on Evans though it isn't just that the Colts let him go after taking one look in OTAs.... the whole career trajectory in the NFL suggests he isn't at the level. 

[Sierra Foothills]

Everything I've read is that the Bills offense is on the complex side and that's the reason that players generally have a hard time contributing in year one... in fact that's why it was said that Hynes had so few touches last year.

 

Now just as Hynes was up to speed and ready to show his talents, this happens.

 

I hope I'm surprised but I'm having a hard time seeing Evans succeeding here for the very same reason... he's got a ton of catching up to do.

 

Also a very important question here and across the league is whether he can pass block.

 

 

[TampaBillsJunkie]

A third round pick. Fits the mold of what Beane loves. Got to love that 3rd round for RBs.

[Irv]

I predict he will be better than Da'Rick.  He also looks just a little like Bubba from Forrest Gump.   

[hondo in seattle]

18 hours ago, Fleezoid said:

 

This reminds me of my childhood. We never had a lot of money so my parents always ended up buying me the knock-offs. 

 

Similar.  My mom used to take me grocery shopping sometimes.  Like the Bills, we were on a tight budget, so she'd buy the cheapest meats, cereals, etc.  But she'd tell me she was buying the best stuff and I believed her.     

[dave mcbride]

8 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Couldn't get on the field in Tennessee who were willing to cut their losses on a day 2 pick after 2 seasons. That isn't a ringing endorsement.

I think this might explain the appeal of Evans to the Bills: "Awesome ball security; no fumbles in his 2019 tape" (https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2883751-darrynton-evans-nfl-draft-2020-scouting-report-for-tennessee-titans-pick). The Bills really RB prioritize ball security and punish backs with a propensity to fumble. Cook fumbled on his first play, was relegated to the bench for a while, and didn't fumble again last season. TJ Yeldon fumbled inside the red zone a couple of years ago and basically disappeared for a long stretch.

 

There is a common theme in the guys the Bills have brought in this offseason to play RB: Harris, who has a 0.6 percent career fumble rate, and Murray, who has a 0.58 percent career fumble rate. Murray's fumble rate from 2017-2022 over 1,069 touches was 0.28 percent. Those are very low rates. Singletary's career fumble rate is 1.6 percent. Melvin Gordon's is 1.4 percent, and I've always regarded him as an inveterate fumbler.

Incidentally, OJ Simpson's career fumble rate was a sky-high 2.4 percent.

Edited July 25, 2023 by dave mcbride

[Warriorspikes51]

Cook
Harris

Murray

 

That's a solid RB room 

[starrymessenger]

7 hours ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

He had issues with injuries. Also D'Onta Foreman rose into a very solid RB for them during his time there. 

 

He never really had much of an opportunity. So they see untapped potential. And ultimately, Beane brought in Hines for his speed, receiving ability, and return ability. He wanted another RB like that. Evans fits that same type of build. 

I think you are right. His supposed skillset is a close comparable to Hines so Beane seems to be looking at him as a potential replacement rather than just a camp body filling out the RB room. So I think he's being given an opportunity and we will just have to see if he's capable of doing anything with it.

[starrymessenger]

4 hours ago, Sierra Foothills said:

Everything I've read is that the Bills offense is on the complex side and that's the reason that players generally have a hard time contributing in year one... in fact that's why it was said that Hynes had so few touches last year.

 

Now just as Hynes was up to speed and ready to show his talents, this happens.

 

I hope I'm surprised but I'm having a hard time seeing Evans succeeding here for the very same reason... he's got a ton of catching up to do.

 

Also a very important question here and across the league is whether he can pass block.

 

 

For what it's worth scouting reports say he can block.

[I'm Spartacus]

20 hours ago, Fleezoid said:

 

This reminds me of my childhood. We never had a lot of money so my parents always ended up buying me the knock-offs. 

Same here. PF Flyers instead of Converse All Stars. Husky jeans instead if Levi's. 😥

[DCofNC]

I thought he looked like he was pretty solid in TN when he got a shot, certainly not expecting a lot, but if he makes the roster, I won’t be shocked.

2 hours ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

Cook
Harris

Murray

 

That's a solid RB room 

I think we have different definitions of “solid”. It’s a risk and a half, similar to WR, except with this group there is no top end guy to lean on. Harris has to stay healthy or we are watching JA as the leading rusher again.

[Georgia Bill]

17 hours ago, Buffalo Boy said:

Hydrox cookies instead of Oreo’s

Still effing scarred!

Kinney's sneakers instead of Keds for me

[Patrick Duffy]

2 hours ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

Cook
Harris

Murray

 

That's a solid RB room 

 

Yeah not bad. Hope the new comers will be better pass protecting picking up blitzes when they have to a little better than DS was. Not saying he was awful but could've used improvement

[BigAl2526]

23 hours ago, Heavy Kevi said:

I'm kind of shocked it's not Taiwan Jones

 

But I'm ok with it. Hines was likely to play a very small role outside of returning, and I would guess now we just take the ball at the 25 whenever possible this year. 

Hines was going to be used primarily as a return specialist.  Taiwan Jones never returned punts or kicks.  Darrynton Evans is a returner.

[folz]

Drafted 3rd round (93rd overall) by Tennessee.

 

Played for Titans for two years and then the Bears for one year. Going into his 4th year.

 

Career totals: 125 yards on 30 carries, 4.2 avg., no TDs, no fumbles

                        5 receptions for 71 yards and 1 TD

 

Never saw more than 14% snap count on offense

Last year played 63% of STs snaps for Chicago (for active games)

 

Has no punt returns in the league, but has returned 10 kickoffs with a 22.3 yard average

 

First year in the league he had a grade 2 hamstring strain that kept him out of 10 games (with him eventually ending up on IR)

Second year in the league, injured his knee in preseason and missed 6 regular season games. Came back week 7 only to reinjure the knee and get placed on IR.

Third year, was only active for 6 games for the Bears (doesn't appear to be any injury issues last year).

 

So, he has only played a total of 12 NFL games. Could be untapped potential (if he can stay healthy), or just camp fodder/practice squad emergency only type of guy. Doesn't hurt to kick the tires though.

 

 

 

Looks like the signing is official now per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN and Darrynton's agent.

 

https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/bills-darrynton-evans-adds-depth-to-buffalo-rb-corps/

 

https://billswire.usatoday.com/2023/07/25/buffalo-bills-sign-darrynton-evans-nyheim-hines/

Edited July 25, 2023 by folz

[rusty shackleford]

On 7/24/2023 at 4:17 PM, Fleezoid said:

 

This reminds me of my childhood. We never had a lot of money so my parents always ended up buying me the knock-offs. 

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

4 hours ago, I'm Spartacus said:

Same here. PF Flyers instead of Converse All Stars. Husky jeans instead if Levi's. 😥

 

3 hours ago, Georgia Bill said:

Kinney's sneakers instead of Keds for me

Middle class until your parents discovered Liberty Shoes, Buffalo's finest purveyors of cheap footwear.  But with the inexpensive prices, you got canvas deck shoes in every colour imaginable. 🙄

[buffblue]

6 hours ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

Cook
Harris

Murray

 

That's a solid RB room 

It is unless Cook suffers an injury. Then we have one of the slowest rb rooms in the league. I'm really disappointed about the Hines injury. I was hoping/expecting to see more of him on offense. Tough break

[MWK]

Practice squad material

[27yanks]

 

[BADOLBILZ]

7 hours ago, dave mcbride said:

I think this might explain the appeal of Evans to the Bills: "Awesome ball security; no fumbles in his 2019 tape" (https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2883751-darrynton-evans-nfl-draft-2020-scouting-report-for-tennessee-titans-pick). The Bills really RB prioritize ball security and punish backs with a propensity to fumble. Cook fumbled on his first play, was relegated to the bench for a while, and didn't fumble again last season. TJ Yeldon fumbled inside the red zone a couple of years ago and basically disappeared for a long stretch.

 

There is a common theme in the guys the Bills have brought in this offseason to play RB: Harris, who has a 0.6 percent career fumble rate, and Murray, who has a 0.58 percent career fumble rate. Murray's fumble rate from 2017-2022 over 1,069 touches was 0.28 percent. Those are very low rates. Singletary's career fumble rate is 1.6 percent. Melvin Gordon's is 1.4 percent, and I've always regarded him as an inveterate fumbler.

Incidentally, OJ Simpson's career fumble rate was a sky-high 2.4 percent.

 

 

Turnovers........particularly in the run game.........are just not acceptable AT ALL in todays NFL.

 

It surprises me that it's not discussed much but the average amount of turnovers per NFL game has basically HALVED since the late 1970's.

 

In 1978 and 1979 when the schedule moved to 16 games the average team turned it over 40 times per year..........that number is now 22 in 17 game seasons of 2021 and 2022.

 

Turning the ball over wasn't as rare in OJ's day.........and while TO differential has always been a great indicator of wins and losses,  I don't think it was quite as much of a sin.  

 

In fact,  in 1979 the two teams that lead the NFL in turnovers actually played each other in Super Bowl XIV (Steelers v Rams).

[Simon]

55 minutes ago, 27yanks said:

 

 

Looks like Zack Moss with better vision

[TAinLack.]

5 hours ago, Georgia Bill said:

Kinney's sneakers instead of Keds for me

...and Liberty Buds for me and my brother.