2014 NFL Draft rumors: Lions to move up for Mike Evans?

In the lead-up to the 2014 NFL Draft, there has been a lot of talk about the possibility of the Detroit Lions making a trade to get Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins. He is viewed as the draft's top wide receiver by most, and the chances of him falling to the 10th overall pick are quite slim as a result. If the Lions want to have a real shot at drafting him, they likely will have to jump up into the top five.

If they are unable to land Watkins, perhaps the Lions will still look to trade up for a wide receiver. Specifically, perhaps they might try to trade up for Texas A&M's Mike Evans, who is widely viewed as the No. 2 wide receiver in this year's class. From ESPN's John Clayton:

If the price isn't too expensive, the Detroit Lions would like to move up a few spots to draft wide receiver Mike Evans.

In all likelihood, the Lions would have to target the No. 6 overall pick as the spot to jump up and grab Evans. This would get them ahead of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which could use a wide receiver like Evans after trading away Mike Williams. It remains to be seen if the Atlanta Falcons will actually stay at No. 6, but if they don't trade up, perhaps they would be willing to drop back four spots for a third- or fourth-round pick.

Trading up for anybody not named Watkins, Khalil Mack or Jadeveon Clowney doesn't exactly seem ideal at this point. However, if the Lions have Evans just behind that trio of players and it would only cost them a mid-round pick, it may be worthwhile to make a move and get him.