NFL Draft 2017: Cincinnati Bengals pick Oklahoma linebacker Jordan Evans in Round 6

With the 193rd pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals have selected Oklahoma linebacker Jordan Evans in Round 6.

Evans is a speedy, athletic linebacker who figures to compete for snaps with Nick Vigil and Marquis Flowers as a coverage ‘backer. In four years with the Sooners, Evans totaled 281 tackles (21 for loss), 16 passes defensed, five interceptions, four forced fumbles, 3.5 sacks and three fumble recoveries.

Pro Football Focus really liked Evans, comparing him to Zach Brown, who earned Pro Bowl honors in 2016. Evans can move from sideline to sideline, makes plays in pass coverage and has solid instincts for a coverage linebacker. Per PFF, Evans gave up a quarterback rating of just 64.3 in coverage last season, surrendering just one touchdown on the year. He picked off four passes and recorded five pass defenses in that same season.

It’s Evans’ speed, however, which makes him an exciting prospect for Cincinnati. He ran the 40-yard dash in just 4.5 seconds, which would rank second among linebackers had he run at the NFL Combine.

Overall, Evans is a quick and athletic linebacker who will be a nice developmental prospect for the Bengals. One of 12 draft picks in this year’s class, he’ll have to compete for a spot on the roster. Interestingly, he joins fellow Sooners star Joe Mixon on the Bengals’ roster.

Evans came to Cincinnati for a pre-draft visit a few weeks ago, so, this pick isn’t a complete surprise. The 6’2”, 233-pound Evans has been a full-time starter for the past three seasons with the Sooners and will now compete for playing time in Cincinnati.

The Bengals’ top remaining needs are: OT, OG, S

Here’s a rundown of every pick the Bengals hold in the 2017 NFL Draft:

NFL Draft Schedule:

Rounds 4-7: 12 p.m. ET, Saturday, April 29: (Rounds 4-6 – 5 minutes per pick, Round 7 - 4 minutes per pick)

Here’s a link to the full seven-round NFL Draft order and live draft tracker!