NFL: Five rookie WRs in best position to succeed

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Mike Evans (Texas A&M) poses with his jersey after being selected as the number seven overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jun 10, 2014; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) works out during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike Evans wasn’t the first receiver to come off the board — that honor went to the Buffalo Bills’ Sammy Watkins — but he’s arguably the best bet to flourish in 2014.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Evans with the No. 7 overall pick, teaming him with fellow 6-foot-5 wideout Vincent Jackson. Together, they form a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Who do you double? How do you contain the duo in the redzone? Those questions won’t be so easily solved.

A physical receiver with sure hands, Evans’ plus speed (4.46 in the forty-yard dash) and build allows him to beat both man and zone coverage. He was Johnny Manziel’s favorite target at Texas A&M, hauling in 69 passes for 1,394 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Some even believe Manziel was a product of Evans — not the other way around.

In Tampa, Evans will start out of the gates and is Vegas’ odds-on favorite to win Offensive Player of the Year. You’ll get no argument from me.

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