Justin Evans Posted Zero Sacks Last Season: The 2027 NFL Draft Center You Can't Ignore

Alright, Hawks fans, listen up! I know it's early April and we're just getting into the swing of things for the regular season, but you gotta hear about this kid. We're talking 2027 NFL Draft here, but one name is already screaming for attention: Justin Evans, center out of Nebraska. This dude didn't just have a good year in 2025, he had a perfect year in one critical area, and it's got scouts buzzing. Seriously, buckle up, because the landscape for future offensive line talent is already getting wild.

The Zero-Sack Machine Who's Already Top Tier

Let's get straight to it: Evans allowed ZERO sacks in 2025. ZERO. As a starting center for 13 games, anchoring that offense? That's not just good, that's absolutely insane. Pro Football Focus, who knows a thing or two about linemen, already has him pegged as the No. 4 interior offensive line prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft. Think about that for a second. We're in 2026, he's a rising senior, and he's already top-five material for a draft two years away.

This guy is a brick wall. He's already logged over 1,900 career snaps and started 31 games. You want experience? He's got it. You want reliability? He paved the way for an All-American running back and kept his quarterback clean. While his Nebraska O-line as a unit gave up 33 sacks, Evans' position was never the problem. You gotta wonder how much more lethal that offense could have been if everyone else had his protection skills, right? He's right up there with guys like Iowa's Kade Pieper and Oregon's Lapani Laloulu, who snagged first-team All-America honors last year. If he keeps this trajectory, a pro contract next year is basically a done deal.

From "Under-the-Radar" to "Must-Draft"

Here's what makes Evans even more intriguing: this isn't some guy who was always destined to be an elite center. He rolled into Lincoln as an under-the-radar recruit, with 247Sports even listing him as a defensive tackle initially! Talk about a transformation. He redshirted in 2022, earning co-Offensive Scout of the Year honors, which tells you the work ethic was always there.

Then he started climbing the ladder. Five starts in 2023, then secured a full-time starting role at left guard in all 13 games in 2024. But his best move, the one that really turned heads, was transitioning to center in 2025. That's where he locked in that best-of-his-career season, allowing those glorious zero sacks in 13 starts. That kind of versatility, playing both guard and center at a high level, is exactly what NFL scouts drool over. It gives future teams so many options, which, let's be real, is priceless.

So, what does this all mean for us? Well, for Justin Evans, the 2026 season is massive. He needs to keep that insane production going, keep proving he's a top-tier talent. For us, the 12s, we need to keep an eye on this kid. Offensive line is always crucial, and finding a player with his blend of experience, versatility, and elite protection skills is like striking gold. The Emerald City always needs strong players, and a center like Evans could be a foundational piece for years to come. Let's see what he does next, because if 2025 was any indication, he's just getting started.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.