NFL Draft Rumors: Mike Evans could go before Sammy Watkins

Dec 31, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Mike Evans (13) catches a pass between Duke Blue Devils cornerback Ross Cockrell (6) and Kyler Brown (56) during the second quarter in the 2013 Chick-fil-a Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

It seems like a sure fire bet that former Clemson Tigers’ wide receiver Sammy Watkins will go in the top five and it seems like a near certainty that he will be the first receiver off of the board.

According to to one talent evaluator that spoke with Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, former Texas A&M Aggies’ wide receiver Mike Evans could be selected before Watkins.

"“Would I be surprised if Evans ended up going before Watkins?” said one evaluator whose team could take a receiver later in the first round. “No, I wouldn’t. But we do think there is a drop-off after those two, and we know they won’t be there when we pick.”Several evaluators I spoke to believe that with Tampa Bay, specifically, Evans may be the better fit to replace the recently traded Mike Williams and be another big target for new quarterback Josh McCown. As one scout who worked previously with Tampa coach Lovie Smith put it — “Lovie loves the kids from Texas and he saw what McCown was able to do in Chicago with two big targets (Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery). I could see them wanting to duplicate that even if Watkins was on the board.”"

Evans had 69 receptions for 1,394 yards and 12 touchdowns last season while Watkins had 1,464 yards and 12 touchdowns on 101 catches.

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