Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Mike Evans (13) catches a pass and runs for a 75-yard gain against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second half at Kyle Field. Texas A&M won 51-41. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Mike Evans is one of the top three prospects at the position in the 2014 NFL Draft class, as some have him ranked second behind Clemson’s Sammy Watkins while others have LSU Tigers product Odell Beckham Jr. ranked second. Evans does an excellent job of using his size, and there isn’t a more physical wideout in the class. A solid route-runner with excellent ball skills, the only major knock on Evans at this point is his lack of quickness. He had a great 40 time for a man of his size, and there’s not much doubt that he has the long speed to stretch the field vertically at the next level. Teams in need of a big receiver should love to have a chance at drafting a guy like Evans, who projects very nicely as an “X” receiver at the next level.
The Houston Chronicle’s Brian T. Smith reports that Evans is “hearing more and more” that he could be a top ten selection in next year’s draft, and that could very well happen, especially if the Oakland Raiders decide to take Watkins with the fifth overall pick. Of course, I’m sure the Baltimore Ravens would love to pull him with the 16th overall pick. I would keep a close eye out for the St. Louis Rams, as Evans would be a perfect fit for them due to their need for a true No. 1 wideout, especially one with his size. The Rams will almost certainly trade down in this year’s draft, and I could see them trading down close to the tenth pick and pulling Evans.
Smith also reports that Evans met with the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers recently, but it’s almost impossible to envision a scenario in which he falls far enough to be selected by those two elite teams. Since the 49ers already have Anquan Boldin as their big receiver, I’m not sure if Evans would fit anyway, unless if they really like him as a deep threat. Even then, it still wouldn’t be a great fit. Evans makes sense for the Patriots at first glance due to his size and speed, but I don’t think they are willing to give up on Aaron Dobson, who has similar traits (though he isn’t as talented). Either way, don’t expect Evans to fall anywhere outside of the top 20.