Don’t Sleep on Evans

I’ve been very high on Demetric Evans all camp, and it’s looking more and more like he will get a chance to play a whole lot Thursday night. With Jason Taylor not able to practice thus far, Evans is getting his snaps with the starters at left end, and I continue to believe that even when Taylor comes back Evans will be a factor on running downs at left end.

Evans added muscle mass and upper-body strength this offseason, applying the power-lifting program used by injured teammate Phillip Daniels (generally considered the strongest guy in the organization) and maintained his quickness and mobility. Evans has been a vital reserve throughout his four years here, and can play at end or tackle (he is a key component of the nickel package as an inside pass rusher, and has been asked to drop back into coverage frequently as an end, contributing to several big plays last season).

“I’ve never had a problem playing Demetric Evans anywhere, any time any place,” said defensive coordinator Greg Blache, the defensive line coach in Washington the previous four seasons. “In [2005] when we had a good run, Demetric started a bunch inside at the three-technique after he had worked at end. Demetric is what you call a true pro. He’s a guy I trust. He’s a young man whose mama raised him well, that’s the only way I can put it. He’s got it all together as a person and as a player, and I feel totally confident in him.”

Evans has yet to be told anything explicitly about his role Thursday, but is prepared for anything, he said. He could end up getting a heavy load between his work at end and as a tackle in the nickel package (Anthony Montgomery and/or Erasmus James could spell him inside).

Source: Jason La Confora