Introduction
Mike Evans is someone we will really need to keep an eye on this off-season. The giant receiver from Texas A&M hasn't been the kind of guy to go unnoticed. In high school Evans was a two sport athlete. You could find him tearing it up in basketball and football. On the football field, Evans played both ways. His nose for the football made him a deadly INT machine. When he was recruited by A&M, Evans was given the chance to focus solely on being a receiver.
It didn't take long at all for Mike to make a name for himself. After starting all 13 games, Evans was #2 in school history in receptions and #3 in yards. His monster numbers matched his monster presence. There was a lot to live up to in his sophomore year. As a captain, Mike broke the old record, previously set by Ryan Swoop in 2011. He also matched the school record of TD receptions once held by Jeff Fuller. Mike might only be a sophomore, but he has already accomplished a lot. With his fellow sophomore QB leaving for the NFL, it would make sense for him to do the same.
Measurables
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 225
Class: Sophomore
Projected 40: 4.54
Stats
Year | Rec | Yards | TDs | AVG |
2012 | 82 | 1105 | 5 | 13.48 |
2013 | 69 | 1394 | 12 | 20.20 |
Positives
The first thing you will notice about Evans, is his daunting size. At 6'5", Mike towers over the competition. Let's not forget who his competition is. Evans plays in the SEC and goes up against some of the best defenses in the league. When facing Alabama, Mike was able put up 279 yards and a TD. That was one of two 200 yard games for Mike Evans, the other one coming against Auburn. Mike is a matchup nightmare for everyone. He regularly draws double or triple coverage, but continues to succeed. Even when Evans is covered, he is open. He uses his giant size to almost always come down with the ball when the ball is up for grabs. Mike seems to make incredible clutch catches for his QB on a regular basis. Mike Evans can be "the guy" when it comes to needing a safety net or a big play.
Negatives
Mike Evans isn't slow, but he isn't a burner either. All eyes will be on that 40 time at the combine. In high school, Evans was timed at 4.54, but has beefed up a bit since then. Mike regularly runs himself open, but isn't blowing by everyone. If you are looking for that speedster downfield, Evans is not the guy for you. One other concern that might be had, is his maturity. Like Johnny Football, Evans plays with a lot of emotion. Since Evans is only a Sophomore, he is still very young. He has a lot of room to grow in the maturity department.
Conclusion
The Jets receiving corps is one of the weakest groups on the team. Jeremy Kerley and David Nelson are the best receivers on the team. Other than those two, the position is very thin. Santonio Holmes will probably get the axe, and even though Hill will get another chance, no one's hopes are very high. If there were ever a draft to go heavy at WR, it is this one. Evans is one of many talented receivers coming out this year. With the WR talent being abundant, GM John Idzik might look at another position of need in the first. With that said, if Evans is somehow there at 18, John might be hard pressed to pass on him. Teams ahead of us might look to other needs, knowing there will be talent later in the draft. It's a long shot, but it could happen. Right now I see Evans as a top 15 pick. If we do grab Mike, he will give Geno Smith a huge target that always has a chance to come down with the ball. Someone with Evans' talent and size will no doubt be welcomed on this team.