7. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This is not just the “Brady Effect,” although having the veteran passer on the other end of the connection will certainly put Mike Evans in a position to be successful in 2020.
This has more to do with the simple fact that since coming into the league in 2014, Evans has been one of the NFL’s most consistent producers at the wide receiver position. Over 100 targets, over 60 receptions and over 1,000 yards every single season in the league. That is consistency.
All receivers have a calling card or two. For Evans, one of his is his catch radius. Perhaps a trait he honed at Texas A&M with Johnny Manziel throwing him “YOLO” balls on every drive, Evans is a ball-winner. If the pass is thrown in his direction, odds are he is coming down with it.
But beyond what he can do at the catch point, Evans is smooth as silk off the line of scrimmage. Watch this video package on his releases at the line of scrimmage:
Mike Evans (@MikeEvans13_) doesn't get enough love.
He's an underrated separator that can win at the LOS in multiple ways. pic.twitter.com/UM6JQubhL1
— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) June 2, 2019
There are many ways to “win” a route. If a receiver can get a clean release at the line of scrimmage, he makes life easier on himself. This video package shows the myriad ways Evans can beat defenders immediately. Using a combination of footwork, upper body strength, and leverage, Evans can get inside or outside a defender in the blink of an eye.
Just watch the quick change-of-direction on this release:
Bucs had 26 seconds & one timeout to work with after this Mike Evans catch. Instead of trying for TD, they sent out their kicker for a 34-yard field goal even though he had ALREADY MISSED TWO 33-YARD EXTRA POINTS in this game. Bucs deserved to lose #Giants pic.twitter.com/epsPe8Cqeu
— John Breech (@johnbreech) September 22, 2019
Get yourself some Mike Evans shares now, before it’s too late.