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According to ESPN‘s Todd McShay, Texas A&M WR Mike Evans “is one of the best receivers at coming down with 50-50 balls … [and] the most accomplished downfield receiver in this year’s draft.”
Those were strong words coming from a top scout, and there is no doubt that McShay isn’t the only scout interested in Evans. With the exception of Sammy Watkins, Evans may be the most complete receiver in a draft class that has been described by many as the speediest and deepest receiver draft class in recent memory.
It is unclear at this point if Evans will make it out of the top-10 of the first round in the 2014 NFL draft, but if he does, he won’t fall much further than that. At 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, Evans has a massive frame and exhibits excellent body control when making catches in the air. His size and ability to use it put him in the Alshon Jeffery-type of mold.
After a breakout fantasy football season like Jeffery had in 2013, many fantasy owners may start drooling over Evans just because of the comparison. Evans won’t have a standout fantasy season in his rookie year like Jeffery experienced last year, but he will still be employed as a legitimate red zone threat.
Coming into the 2014 season, Evans can be considered a WR3 with upside right away. Due to the fact that he is a rookie, Evans should drop to the eighth round or lower of fantasy drafts. Many owners will be worried to take a gamble on an unproven player, but he will be well worth taking a risk on in 2014.
Alexander Muir is a writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @AmuirAlex, “Like” him on Facebook or add him on your network on Google.
