Lost in the heat of the start of NFL free agency have been the latest rumors surrounding the draft.
The Detroit Lions have been connected to Sammy Watkins with the No. 10 overall selection in the first round, but if the Clemson standout isn’t around — as he is not expected to be — the team is forming a Plan B.
According to NFL.com, Texas A&M wide receiver Mike Evans has planned a visit with the Lions and the Philadelphia Eagles. Detroit may have to trade back into the first round if they don’t pull the trigger on Evans with their first-round pick, but he could be one of the best options as a receiving threat opposite of perennial All-Pro Calvin Johnson.
The Eagles inked Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin to deals earlier in the offseason, but there have been rumblings that the team could place DeSean Jackson on the trading block. Should they part ways with Jackson, there could be a need for another explosive receiver in Chip Kelly’s offense.
Picking at the No. 22 spot in the first round, Philadelphia may have to try and trade up for the highly coveted Evans. According to Evans, NFL personnel have told him he is likely to come off the board somewhere within the top 15 picks.
During the NFL Scouting Combine, reports surfaced that Alabama offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio had failed multiple physicals as a result of knee surgery. After renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews denounced those rumors and said he planned to inform all 32 clubs that they had been misinformed about Kouandjio, another red flag has emerged.
According to Roster Watch, Kouandjio will not participate in Alabama’s upcoming Pro Day. The reason being given is “by choice,” though after what can be conceived as a disappointing combine outing the future NFL tackle would want to help revive his draft stock.
BREAKING : #Bama LT Cyrus Kouandjio, after a disappointing combine, is the only player at pro day not participating “by choice.” #ProDayTour
— RosterWatch (@RosterWatch) March 12, 2014
Kouandjio is ranked as XN Sports’ No. 4 offensive tackle, but his stock continues to fall with each passing week. Players who don’t perform — or do so well — usually make their school’s Pro Day a must in order to prove their doubters wrong. Not participating creates a lot of questions surrounding Kouandjio.
