The 2014 NFL Draft Sleepers List: Mike Evans an A&M Hit
By Erik Lambert
Sep 14, 2013; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M, Mike Evans
Sean Mannion – QB – Oregon State
Leading the NCAA in passing can sometimes be misleading because of the nature of how many offenses operate but it’s looking more and more like Sean Mannion is no fluke for OregonState. In addition to his leading 1,604 passing yards he also has 15 touchdowns passes to just one interception. At 6’5″, 220 lbs is has the optimal body to play in the NFL and his performance this season is proving he can handle clutch situations after erasing a 27-14 lead in the 4th quarter against San Diego State to win 34-30. His head coach, Mike Riley has produced NFL passers before like Matt Moore and Derek Anderson along with coaching Jim Harbaugh and Doug Flutie in the pros. Mannion has a lot of advantages and should utilize them.
David Fluellen – RB – Toledo
Tradition downhill running backs still might fly in college but the pro game is becoming more about the dual threat players like a Matt Forte, Chris Johnson and LeSean McCoy. That is why David Fluellen will begin to turn heads before long. Not only is he fourth in the nation with 497 yards rushing but he also has 16 receptions for 153 yards. Best of all he’s shown up against some quality competition like Florida and Missouri. Toledo isn’t usually a hot bed of talent but Fluellen is showing he has the skill set to fit the pro game perfectly. That doesn’t mean he’ll shy away from good old fashioned ground and pound though. His 32 carries against Central Michigan for 197 yards in week four proved that.
Mike Evans – WR – Texas A&M
Johnny Manziel may get all the headlines for Texas A&M football but it’s getting harder to ignore his favorite target for the Aggies. Mike Evans got his first big boost in popularity by putting on a show against Alabama with 279 yards receiving. He has three touchdowns on the year already when he had just five in 2012. He has premium height at 6’5″, outstanding body control and soft hands. There are some reservations about his speed and athleticism but those issues can be overcome with enough work and maximizing of his other qualities. If his season keeps up as it has he might challenge Marqise Lee and Sammy Watkins in the first round next May.
Stanley Jean-Baptiste – CB – Nebraska
At first glance the 2014 NFL draft didn’t seem like it would be as heavy on defensive backs as the 2013 class was. That breakdown might need some revision based on how well Nebraska cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste has played. It addition to having obvious ball skills with an interception in all four games this season, he is 6’3″. Cornerbacks normally don’t come that big, which will make him very popular with pro coaches. As a converted wide receiver he knows how to take the ball and score too, like he did against Southern Miss. Add in his willingness to tackle (14) it won’t take long for Jean-Baptiste to covet major attention from scouts.
Vic Beasley – DE – Clemson
He may be listed as a defensive end for Clemson but Vic Beasley has the body made for outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Coaches will be reminded of Barkevious Mingo from the last draft, a player with obvious gifts for one defense but played in another in at LSU. Beasley was made to rush the passer. He’s tall, fast and seems to play his best against top competition. After sacking Aaron Murray twice against Georgia, he collected three more against North CarolinaState. It’s true he seems to run hot and cold at time, but when he’s hot it seems like he’s almost unblockable. Clemson’s continued success will only help his 2014 NFL draft prospects.