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NFL Power Rankings: Top 10 wide receivers in today’s game

By Nicholas McGee

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 16: Wide receiver Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Mercedes Benz Superdome on December 16, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 16: Wide receiver Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Mercedes Benz Superdome on December 16, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 01: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a reception for a first down in the first quarter of a football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on December 01, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 01: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a reception for a first down in the first quarter of a football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on December 01, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

5. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. WR. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mike Evans. player. 48

Evans had something of a down year in 2019. That a season in which he racked up 1,157 yards and scored eight touchdowns represents a down year is indicative of how insanely productive Evans has been in his six seasons in the NFL.

A three-time Pro Bowler, Evans has topped 1,000 yards in every year of his pro career. Though he could not match an incredible 2018 season that saw him finish with 1,524 yards, Evans still averaged 17.3 yards per reception, a number bettered by just five receivers.

One of the league’s most devastating deep threats, few wideouts have proven more effective at drawing pass interference penalties. Last season, according to Football Outsiders, defenders were flagged for pass interference against Evans eight times for 139 yards. Only Courtland Sutton earned more yardage (150) in such penalties.

Evans is a tremendous red-zone weapon whose frame allows him to excel at boxing out defenders. He may not be as versatile as Godwin but Evans’ skills at the catch point could serve to negate any downfield inaccuracies Brady displays as he adapts to Bruce Arians’ offense.

Amid a potential Hall of Fame career, Evans is still only 26. Providing he avoids major injuries, he will be tormenting opposing defenses for a long time to come.

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