2012 NFL Draft Profile: Albert Evans

(Be sure to follow Albert Evans at @Shwaggin32)

The final player we will look at for the 2012 NFL Draft Profiles is Purdue's Senior Safety, #32 Albert Evans.

Evans had a nice career for the Boilermakers, starting his Junior and Senior seasons at Safety and helping lead Purdue to its first bowl game since 2008. His college playing days began in 2008. After playing Safety in high school, Albert moved to Linebacker during his Freshman year in West Lafayette. Unfortunately, he saw little action that year. Although he appeared in 11 games for Purdue, he recorded only two tackles on the year as a special teams reserve.

By his sophomore season in 2009, Evans moved back to the Safety position, where he saw more playing time as a reserve at Defensive Back and special teams. After appearing in all 12 games that season, Albert managed to rack up 30 tackles, including 24 solo stops.

It wasn't until 2010, though, that Evans had his breakthough moments. After finally winning the starting job at Safety, the Junior record a solid season by putting up 37 total tackles--including 24 solos and 4 tackles for loss--2 quarterback sacks, 1 interception, 2 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery in 10 games.

Finally, during his Senior campaign last year, Albert appeared in and started in all 13 games for Purdue--including the Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl--on route to conducting a very solid season as a veteran in Purdue's defensive backfield. Last year Evans recorded 73 total tackles (52 solo, 2.5 for loss), 2 interceptions and 4 pass breakups.

Although he was snubbed for All-Big Ten Conference honors in 2011, Number 32 was an integral part of finally leading Purdue to a bowl game again and adding experience and leadership to the Purdue defense. His career totals in West Lafayette stand at 142 total tackles (100 solo tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss), 2 sacks, 3 interceptions, 8 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery.

After completing his four year career at Purdue, it was time for Evans to move on to the next level of his game.

Mr. Golden Swagger Man

Albert was originally believed by many to be a late round selection in the 2012 NFL Draft and attracted interest from some NFL teams due to his prototypical size at Safety and also his sure tackling skills and ballhawking ability.

During his Pro Day at Purdue on March 9, Evans was being evaluated in Mollenkopf by scouts from NFL teams such as the Colts, the Dolphins and the Vikings. Some of the measurables he registered at the Pro Day looked good. He came into the session at 6'0" and 209 pounds, put up 19 at the bench press, recorded a 34 inch vertical leap and ran a 6.97 at the 3 cone drill.

But unfortunately, Albert's time at the 40 Yard Dash was very slow--he clocked a 4.84! Because of this, his draft stock is now sliding and he seems to be losing his status as a late round selection in the Draft.

Here is the YouTube video of Albert Evans' Pro Day session:

Draft Prospects:

Due to Evans' falling draft stock, he is now expected to go undrafted. While certain teams have expressed their interest in him and have sent scouts to get a good look at him, it seems that Albert will have to wait until after the Draft to find his new home in the NFL.