Alabama has been pumping out pro-caliber linebackers year after year under the Nick Saban era. They simply know how to recruit and develop them. With Reuben Foster well into his career with the San Francisco 49ers, the hole left in the middle of the Alabama defense has already been filled. Senior Rashaan Evans is a two-year starter who has played both inside and outside. He can project to the weak side in the NFL and possibly the middle in some schemes. He may not earn the same grade as some of their better linebackers over the past few years (Foster/Mosley/Hightower) but he may be one of the safest picks in this class in terms of knowing he will be at least a solid contributor.
What He Does Well:
Unofficially it is a prerequisite to be fast, quick, and physical in order to play linebacker for Alabama. Evans is rangy and brings his power while on the move. He can shadow athletic running backs laterally and shows the ability to patiently pounce on the action. He is a heady player who can get himself in position to impact the play via both instincts and positive initial steps. On third down, Evans can be used as an edge rusher or in coverage, being equally effective in both roles. He is an every down, every situation-type defender.
Where He Needs Work:
Evans has shown the tendency to over-pursue. His aggressive style will sometimes lead to recklessness, leaving the cutback lanes wide open for a savvy and smart runner. He also gets mixed up with blockers too often, having trouble getting off their hands and too often taking bad angles at avoiding them. He can be fooled by misdirection which, again, makes it very tough to get off the blocks in time. His presence in space as a tackler does not come close to matching his presence against linemen.