Key Takeaways:
– PFF’s John Kosko lists Tampa Bay’s wide receiver Mike Evans at No.27 on the top 30 NFL players over 30 years old.
– Evans has an impressive record of 10 consecutive seasons with a minimum of 1,000 receiving yards.
– Six wide receivers were ranked higher than Evans, including Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, Keenan Allen, Cooper Kupp, Stefon Diggs, and Amari Cooper.
– Evans inked a 2-year deal worth $52 million in March and will turn 31 in August.
Controversy Centers on Evans Being Named ‘Very Good, Not Elite’
Tampa Bay Buccaneers received another blow as wide receiver Mike Evans falls to No. 27 in PFF’s John Kosko’s ranking of the top 30 NFL players aged over 30. Marking the continuation of what’s seen as an offseason of disregard for the NFL team.
Evans, despite being just one of the seven wide receivers featured in the list, was recognized for achieving an NFL record of 10 unbroken seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards each. Kosko gave credit to the longevity of Evan’s performance, noting his consistent 81.4 two-year mark rate, while also signalling that Evans is “very good but not elite”.
Highly Ranked WRs Eclipsing Evans
Kosko’s ranking enlisted seven wide receivers, with Evans at No. 27. Outshining him were Miami’s Tyreek Hill (No. 2), Las Vegas’ Davante Adams (No. 9), Chicago’s Keenan Allen (No. 16), Los Angeles Rams’ Cooper Kupp (No. 20), Houston’s Stefon Diggs (No. 26), before finally reaching Amari Cooper (No. 29) from Cleveland.
Giants ruling the listings were Trent Williams, a San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle, retaining his position at No. 1 for a second consecutive year. Among the receivers, only Hill outperformed Evans in 2023 with 1,799 yards. Both Hill and Evans led the NFL with 13 receiving touchdowns.
Successful Seasons and Super Bowl Wins
Evans, a two-time All-Pro Team member and five-time Pro Bowl participant, has been recognized alongside Tyreek Hill as the only All-Pro selections from the esteemed PFF list in 2023. Evans also has a Super Bowl triumph to his credit – a feat achieved in the 2020 season.
The triumphant trio of receivers who have won Super Bowls made the list comprising of Evans, Hill, and Kupp.
Evans: One-half of the Bucs’ Veteran WR Pair
The 30-years-and-above group of the Buccaneers is not limited to Evans alone. Chris Godwin, another wide receiver, recently turned 28 and is heading into his eighth season. Godwin, similar to Evans, has a commendable record of three consecutive seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards each. He inked a 3-year contract in 2022 amounting to $60 million, including a $40 million signing bonus.
Infusing Youth in Tampa Bay’s WR Corps
As the Buccaneers anticipate youth power to rejuvenate their wide receiving stock, hopes intensify with their new draft pick, Jalen McMillan from Washington. Despite a season disrupted by injuries, McMillan displayed impressive stats. If he maintains his average of 13.5 yards per catch in the upcoming season, the Buccaneers could witness an exciting disruption in their offense.
In closing, while Evans may not have garnered an “elite” rating in PFF’s ranking, his impact and vital role in the Buccaneers’ team performance cannot be disputed. As the new NFL season nears, fans and critics alike will avidly watch if he continues his streak of 1,000-yard seasons, and perhaps scales new heights in the process.