The Green Bay Packers have made more than a few moves this offseason that have gotten headlines. There have been free agent signings and draft picks that are all geared towards continuing to make the team one of the top in the NFL. One of those signings, which might be overlooked by Green Bay’s fans is the addition of offensive lineman Jahri Evans. Evans is a former New Orleans Saint who brings 11 years in the league to the table for his new team.
Evans also brings a leadership presence that many members of his new team have already said is going to be a big deal when it comes tutoring some of the young lineman attempting to make their mark.
Evans’ confidence level and the Green Bay Packers
While it should surprise no one that an NFL player has a ton of confidence, Evans has a different kind of belief in himself. He’s got confidence because not only has he been in the league for as long as he has, but he’s been at the top of his profession for a good part of those years.
The offensive lineman, who signed with his new team just a few months ago, has managed to stay healthy almost throughout his career. There have been just two blips on the radar, in 2013 when he played in 14 games and 2015 when he appeared in just 11 games. The Seattle Seahawks might have been worried about Evans’ durability considering his age and the recent injury during the 2015-16 offseason.
Evans was cut and the Saints picked him back up. He showed his durability wasn’t a concern as he started all 16 games for a Saints team that didn’t have a great overall season but ranked first in the NFL in total offense.
Evans’ teammates noticed his presence right away
When the team lost Pro Bowl guard T.J. Lang they thought they were going to have to have a three-way race to replace him.
When Evans came along the franchise knew they had found their starter right away. It’s more than Evans being the most talented guard on the offensive line. His teammates and coaches noticed something else.
I appreciate his attitude,” Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. “He’s just a laid-back, easygoing guy, but I know he gets on the field he’s a mauler.
He gets after guys and competes.” It’s the competitiveness that the team is looking forward to seeing when they take the field for real. Already considered the easy favorite to win the NFC North but Rodgers and company are looking to win the Super Bowl. Now we’ll have to see whether he’s one of the final pieces of the puzzle.
