Mike Evans Officially Announces He Will Enter 2014 NFL Draft

Texas A&M standout wide receiver Mike Evans has decided to forgo his remaining collegiate eligibility and declare for the 2014 NFL draft.

The Aggies made the announcement on Twitter:

Texas A&M also passed along comments from Evans on its official athletics site:

"

After talking things over with Coach Sumlin and my family I have decided to enter the NFL draft. Thanks go to Texas A&M for giving me an opportunity to play college football. Thanks also to my coaches and teammates for helping me develop as a player and as a man. I made this decision based on what I thought was best for myself and my family.

"

The redshirt sophomore had a solid freshman campaign that saw him catch 82 passes for 1,105 yards and five touchdowns. His ability to step right into a key role was a major reason fellow freshman Johnny Manziel had a Heisman Trophy season.

Evans and Manziel picked up right where they left off in 2013. The talented receiver backed up his freshman production with 69 grabs for 1,394 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore, leaving him with little to prove at the collegiate level.    

While the draft class is still coming together, and will continue to do so until all of the underclassmen decide whether to declare for the draft or return to school, the early outlook suggests Evans will battle Sammy Watkins and Marqise Lee for draft position.

CBS Sports lists Watkins as the top wideout at No. 5 overall with Evans at No. 10 and Lee at No. 17.

Interestingly, back in October a scout told Chase Goodbread of NFL.com that Evans, who is listed at 6'5'' and 225 pounds, would likely be better suited playing the role of tight end at the next level so he could take better advantage of matchups:

"

As good as Evans has been, one scout told College Football 24/7 that he may project better as a flex tight end in the NFL than as a receiver, which would allow him to more easily beat safeties and linebackers in coverage than pro cornerbacks.

"

Whether that will actually happen is unknown, but it's something to watch as teams start taking a closer look at the draft prospects in the coming months.  

Regardless of what position he's labeled with on the roster, Evans has all the tools to become a very good pass-catcher at the NFL level.