NFL DRAFT: Notre Dame TE Mitchell Evans picked by the Carolina Panthers

Mitchapolooza everywhere

In the 5th round with the 163rd overall pick in the NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers selected Notre Dame tight end, Mitchell Evans.

From the ND press release:

Mitchell Evans Selected 163rd Overall In NFL Draft By Carolina

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Continuing the streak of Irish tight ends selected in the NFL Draft, Mitchell Evans was selected in the fifth round with the 163rd overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers on Saturday. Evans is the fifth Notre Dame player all-time to be drafted to Carolina and the first since 2021 (Tommy Tremble). He joins former Irish Tremble and LS JJ Jansen on the Panthers roster.

Evans becomes the fifth Notre Dame tight end selected in the draft over the past seven years. He continues the streak of each primary Irish tight end since 2004 being drafted, beginning with Anthony Fasano.

Evans was a semifinalist for the 2024 John Mackey Award, recognizing the top tight end in college football. Evans was Notre Dame’s premier tight end in 2024 and helped the Irish to victories in the Sugar Bowl and Orange Bowl and an appearance in the CFP National Title game. In 2024, he posted 43 receptions for 421 yards and three touchdowns.

Evans also played a significant role in run blocking. Notre Dame’s rushing offense ranked No. 4 among the Power 4 in yards per carry (5.66), ranking No. 7 among all FBS teams. The Irish ranked No. 6 among Power 4 teams in rushing offense (210.8).

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.