2023 Dynasty Rookie Post-Draft Update: Evan Hull

The NFL Draft is behind us, rookie drafts are taking place, and as dynasty managers, we are looking ahead to the upcoming season. In our Dynasty Rookie Post-Draft Update series, we break down all the incoming fantasy-relevant rookies, looking at their profiles and where they fit. The basis of the rookie profile involves the usage of STORM analysis, focusing on five key components: Situation, Talent, Opportunity, Risk, and Market.

SITUATION

Name: Evan Hull

Position: Running Back

Pro Team: Indianapolis Colts

College Team: Northwestern

Draft Status: Round five, Pick 176 overall

The former Wildcat was taken in the fifth round with the 176th overall selection by the Colts. Hull was the 12th running back off the board and the second to last pick in round five. Fellow running backs Israel Abanikanda, Chase Brown, and Eric Gray were the three taken ahead of him. Hull struggled to see the field for Northwestern in his first two seasons but broke out in his redshirt sophomore season in 2021. He finished off a strong 2022 with a Big Ten honorable mention and led all FBS running backs with 54 receptions. Pre-draft, Hull was projected as a day three prospect, but he landed in a very interesting situation that will bring him the opportunity to carve out a role in year one.

TALENT

Evan Hull Combine Results:

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 209

Arm: 30 ⅝”

Hand: 9 ¼”

40-Yard Dash: 4.47

10-Yard Split: 1.53

Vertical Jump: 37”

Broad Jump: 10’3”

After two productive years at Northwestern, Hull carried that over into the draft process and stood out in every phase. It started at the senior bowl when he broke off a chunk play on an inside power run on the first play of the game, making a defender miss with his twitchy lateral movement and getting upfield. That was a springboard to his impressive combine, where he flashed his speed and athleticism during the testing portion and then stood out in on-field drills.

What he lacked in his frame, he made up for with his testing numbers. Hull was above the 75% threshold in every athletic testing category and put himself in a position to likely hear his name called on day three – which he was.

On tape, Hull shows he is a tough runner that finishes his runs and plays through the whistle. He is not afraid to get physical and fights for every extra yard. He will be a favorite amongst the coaching staff during the summer, which could lead him to some opportunities to contribute this season.

OPPORTUNITY

Indianapolis Colts Depth Chart:

Data Courtesy of 4for4.com.

Looking at the Colts’ depth chart, it is not out of the realm of possibilities that Hull finds himself as the second-team running back behind workhorse Jonathan Taylor. Zack Moss and Deon Jackson do not necessarily present as stiff competition for that role this summer. Jackson is a journeyman running back, although he has had a couple of spot-starts for the Colts before. Moss was cut by Buffalo after losing his job to James Cook and landed in Indianapolis thanks to the deteriorating health of Jonathan Taylor last season. If Hull flashes his athleticism and pass-catching chops we saw during the draft process, he will make it hard for new head coach Shane Steichen to leave off the field.

RISK

Data Courtesy of Sports Reference.

Hull started out slow in his first two years in Evanston, playing in a total of 11 games and rushing for less than 500 yards combined. He broke out his junior year in 2021, amassing over 1000 yards rushing and catching 33 balls. Most of all, he stayed healthy, playing all 12 games, and followed that up with an even better senior season where he nearly doubled his receiving numbers.

Hull produced workhorse-like numbers, but his profile lends itself to more of a pass-catching role in a committee backfield. But here’s the thing, though – Hull does that very well (as evident by his solid receiving numbers). He is also physical and will finish his runs, along with being a sneaky good athlete.

That athleticism should pop early in the summer during camp, and it would not surprise me if he climbs the depth chart and solidifies himself as the backup to Jonathan Taylor.

Market

Data Courtesy of DLF May June Rookie ADP.

Based on May’s rookie ADP, as shown above, Hull is the 39th overall rookie and 14th running back off the board. It equates to the 4.03 in rookie drafts, and if you have a pick there – and cannot move it – I think Hull is worthy of a flier at this slot. The chances of Hull becoming an elite dynasty asset or producer are long odds. Still, if he carves out a role this season or he potentially starts a game for you, he will have already outplayed his draft position. With Jonathan Taylor coming off an injury-plagued season and the uncertainty behind him, Hull is an intriguing dart throw.

Data Courtesy DLF Trade Analyzer.

Hull is basically going for peanuts right now. With how cheap the cost is to acquire him, it would make sense to ask for him as a throw-in piece or include him as part of a package deal if you want to move him for any of the suggested players listed. His profile doesn’t lend itself to one that hits often, but with his ability as a receiver, it is well worth the flier.

There is an opportunity in the Colts’ backfield to carve out a role as a 3rd down/receiving back. It is a real possibility, barring injury, Hull could snatch that role and shine for Indianapolis this season.