Could the New York Giants Go After Mike Evans?
By Erik Lambert
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
Free agency really gave the New York Giants a boost for 2014. Could they crown their efforts by getting Eli Manning a new toy in Mike Evans?
Victor Cruz shaky on the value of Rueben Randle
Wide receivers by their very nature are outgoing, opinionated people. Victor Cruz of the New York Giants is no different. He had some things to say regarding the status of his team, particularly the offense and how its shaping up for 2014. One of his comments certainly raised a few eyebrows in regards to the Giants NFL draft plans. Cruz stated what the team should really do is find a replacement at the outside receiver position to replace the departed Hakeem Nicks. Indeed without a presence on the outside, Cruz, a Pro Bowler himself would certainly see more blanket coverages from defenses. After all, do they have any reason to fear third-year man Rueben Randle who currently looks like the favorite to replace Nicks? Last season he had 41 catches for 611 yards and six touchdowns. That was with the threat of Nicks on the other side. Without him? Outside of head coach Tom Coughlin few have expressed resounding support for the young wide out. Count Cruz among that crowd.
Eli Manning would see lots of Plaxico Burress in Evans
So if he’s right then the best option expected to be within reach of the New York Giants come draft day is Texas A&M standout Mike Evans. Standout he certainly does too. Every bit of 6’5″ he has that Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall, A.J. Green kind of look to him. He’s not only big but faster than many expected with good hands and explosive leaping ability that allows him to go up and get the football. Eli Manning will instantly see visions of former teammate Plaxico Burress when he watches Evans. Burress too was a 6’5″ monster who outmuscled defenders for the football. The two of them together helped take down the mighty New England Patriots in that epic Super Bowl XLII upset. Would anybody blame Eli for wanting to revisit that success with another such type of receiver? The problem is Evans is easily the second-best receiver on the board behind Sammy Watkins of Clemson, who’s expected to go in the top 5. That means Evans will probably go somewhere between #5 and #11. New York currently sits at #12. If Evans is in their sights they will have to move up to get him.
Is that in the cards? Victor Cruz certainly hopes so.