Who is Evan Hull? Colts' potential Jonathan Taylor replacement improves fantasy outlook with TD vs. Eagles

Jonathan Taylor's time with the Colts is seemingly coming to an end, as the relationship between the star running back and the team has rapidly deteriorated in the months leading up to the 2023 NFL season.

The Colts have granted Taylor permission to seek a trade, and the running back is reportedly drawing interest from teams across the NFL. That doesn't mean that Indianapolis will trade Taylor; the team is still seeking a first-round pick — or an equivalent value — in exchange for him, and it isn't clear what the Colts will do if they can't get it.

But either way, Taylor's status with the team is in limbo. As such, the Colts will be looking for a replacement option for the fourth-year back to emerge.

Indianapolis has shown an interest in veteran Kareem Hunt, but it's possible that the team could look internally to find a replacement for Taylor. That could entail taking a long look at rookie fifth-round pick Evan Hull.

The Colts gave Hull a chance to prove himself during their preseason finale against the Eagles. The rookie looked good in his opportunities and was able to punch a goal-line carry into the end zone early in the second quarter.

Third time's the charm!

📺: Prime Video pic.twitter.com/jYt9z2qeRC

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) August 25, 2023

Indeed, Hull looked strong in his action for the Colts. But who exactly is the sharp-looking rookie? Here's what to know about one of the Colts' internal replacement candidates for Taylor.

MORE: Dolphins, Bears, Broncos among teams expressing interest in Jonathan Taylor

Who is Evan Hull?

Evan Hull is a 22-year-old running back who the Colts selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The 5-10, 209-pound rookie played collegiately at Northwestern and logged more than 1,200 scrimmage yards in each of his final two seasons with the Wildcats.

The Colts drafted Hull to provide the team with depth at the running back position. But with Taylor's future in Indianapolis uncertain, Hull may have a chance to earn a larger role with the team. And his track record as a dual-threat back will help him in his quest to earn a spot near the top of the Colts' RB depth chart.

Evan Hull college stats

Hull was a two-year starter for the Wildcats and was a strong downhill runner and more-than-capable pass catcher at Northwestern. He also has good contact balance which should allow him to generate yards after contact at the NFL level.

Below is a look at Hull's college stats from his four years at Northwestern:

MORE: How contract, NFL cap space could impact trade suitors for Jonathan Taylor

Evan Hull 40 time

Hull put up better-than-expected speed numbers at the 2023 NFL Combine. He ran the 40-yard dash in a respectable 4.47 seconds; that was just 0.01 seconds slower than No. 8 overall pick Bijan Robinson and ranked in the 88.4th percentile among running backs, per his Relative Athletic Score (RAS).

So, while Hull may not have been the most explosive playmaker during his days at Northwestern, his pure speed showcased that he could have a bit more burst at the NFL level. That gives him the potential to eventually develop into a lead back.

Colts RB depth chart

The Colts' running back depth chart is currently seven-deep and is a bit difficult to sort through. Below is a look at how it currently shakes out, per the team's official website:

Taylor remains the team's top running back, but he is shrouded by uncertainty at the moment. Even if the Colts don't trade him, he hasn't practiced much with the team this offseason. He is also dealing with reported back and ankle injuries that could impact his availability; he could also hold out if he remains disgruntled by the Colts' handling of his contract situation.

Moss would normally be Taylor's top backup, but he is dealing with a broken arm that will sideline him to start the season. Without Moss, the Colts list Funk — who logged 12 carries for 31 yards and two touchdowns in the team's first two preseason games — as their top running back.

It's worth wondering if this is a smokescreen, as teams often like to keep their opponents guessing about their plans. But perhaps the Colts see something in the seventh-round pick from the 2021 NFL Draft.

Jackson and Drake are co-listed as the third-string options on the depth chart. Both would have the potential to be involved in the team's running back rotation, as Jackson flashed in limited action last year while Drake has experience as a backfield leader, something that the other options on the Indianapolis roster lack. Each has a chance to make the 53-man roster, though Jackson's spot seems more secure than Drake's, as the latter was signed during training camp.

Finally, Hull and Huntley are listed as the team's fourth-string options. However, it's worth wondering whether Hull is getting the rookie treatment of having to work his way up the depth chart after being a Day 3 pick. Given his performance during the preseason, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him become part of the rotation to replace Taylor.

However, he could end up buried on the depth chart if the Colts aren't confident in his pass-protection ability or if they sign a veteran running back — like Kareem Hunt — to shoulder the bulk of the workload.

MORE: Projecting what the Colts' depth chart should look like if Jonathan Taylor is traded

Evan Hull fantasy outlook

Hull's fantasy outlook is as murky as the Colts' running back depth chart currently. It seems likely that Hull will make the roster, but it isn't clear whether he will be a depth option for the team or whether he will have a chance to have some sort of role in the backfield.

As it stands, Hull is the 86th running back coming off the board in fantasy drafts, according to his average draft position (ADP) on Fantasy Pros. That means he is going undrafted in many leagues, and that is probably where he belongs until more is clarified about the Indianapolis backfield.

Still, if you're in a deep league and are looking for a potential handcuff with upside, you could do worse than landing Hull at the end of your respective drafts. And in best ball formats, Hull looks like an excellent late-round flier who could eventually be given a chance to get some touches if the team doesn't add more talent at running back.

Hull certainly had a solid performance against the Eagles, and that should give fantasy owners some hope that Hull might get a chance to produce at some point during the 2023 NFL season. Even still, it's hard to recommend Hull as anything more than a player to monitor on the waiver wire despite his improved fantasy outlook.