mitchell evans goes in 5th round to panthers

Notre Dame continues to live up to it’s moniker as “Tight End U” with the selection of Mitchell Evans in the NFL Draft, Evans was selected in the fifth round with the 163rd overall pick by the Carolina Panthers. Evans is the fifth Notre Dame player all-time to be drafted to Carolina and the first since Tommy Tremble in 2021. Tremble is currently a team captain and should help Evans transition to the NFL culture upon arrival.

Evans now gives Notre Dame five tight ends selected in the draft over the past seven years, and an impressive streak of the primary tight end for the Fighting Irish being drafted going all the way back to Fighting Irish standout Anthony Fasano in 2004.

Evans had a breakout season in 2023 before being sidelined with an injury. He played in eight games as a junior, starting seven, and ended the season as the team’s top receiving target, averaging 52.8 yards per game. Through those eight games, Evans totaled 29 receptions for 422 yards and a touchdown during the season, averaging 14.6 yards per catch.

Evans battled injuries in the 2024 off-season, and worked to get back to form during the season upon returning. He was a semifinalist for the 2024 John Mackey Award, recognizing the top tight end in college football. Evans eventually became a prime target for QB Riley Leonard with 43 receptions for 421 yards and three touchdowns. 

Carolina Panthers Head Coach Dave Canales lauded rookie tight end Mitchell Evans as a versatile and well-rounded player who fits well within the team's offensive scheme during the Panthers’ press conference recapping their draft. Canales highlighted Evans's smooth route running, blocking ability, and reliability as a target, emphasizing his potential to contribute early in his career. The Panthers also acknowledge that Evans's versatility, both as a blocker and receiver, makes him a valuable asset,