NFL Draft Profile: Shaquelle Evans

October 13, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Shaquelle Evans (1) celebrates after he runs the ball for a touchdown against the Utah Utes during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

With the NFL Draft coming up this week, Go Joe Bruin will be breaking down some of UCLA’s potential picks. Today we look at wide receiver, Shaquelle Evans.

Vital Stats

Height: 6’1”, Weight: 213 lbs., Arm Length: 32”, Hands: 9 3/8”

His Time At UCLA

Evans started his college career in 2009 at Notre Dame. He transferred to UCLA and sat out the next year. In his final three years of eligibility as a Bruin, Evans played in thirteen or more games each season.

Last year at UCLA, Evans led the Bruins in most receiving categories. He had a team-high, 47 receptions and totaled 709 receiving yards (over 200 more than Devin Fuller who was second in receiving yards). He averaged  the most yards per catch with 15.1, along with 54.5 yards per game.

Combine Statistics

Grade: 5.29

The 40: 4.51 sec

Bench: 13 reps

Vertical: 34.5 inches

Broad: 122.0 inches

3-Cone Drill: 7.07 sec

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.21 sec

60-Yard Shuttle: 11.51 sec

Why Evans Will Be An Asset

Shaquelle Evans has long arms, big hands and good reach. He is a reliable pass catcher, especially in short-yardage situations. He often makes tough catches and can get solid yards after a reception.

What Evans Has To Improve On

Evans, on occasion, will drop a pass that seems “on the money”. He does not have break away speed, which does not make him a big down field threat. He is better in zone than he is man-to-man defenses.

Summary

He was one of the go-to guys in UCLA’s offense, which often utilized up to ten receivers in games. Evans does not quit on plays and goes for everything thrown his way. That and his size should be favorable to some NFL teams who need more length in their receiving corps. He needs to get stronger and work on his speed, but should develop nicely into a first or second string flanker. CBSSports.com has him projected to go in Round 3 or 4.

Mike W.R.

Twitter: @TheBigDisco