Fansided

Top 25 NFL wide receivers of the 21st century

By Jarrett Bailey

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 19: Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals stands on the side of the field during their game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on November 19, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 19: Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals stands on the side of the field during their game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on November 19, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 25
Next
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 14: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hands a ball to a fan after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Washington Football Team at FedExField on November 14, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 14: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hands a ball to a fan after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Washington Football Team at FedExField on November 14, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

21. Mike Evans

Mike Evans is the only player in NFL history to start his career with seven consecutive seasons of 1,000 yards receiving. He’s getting a lot more national recognition now, but before Tom Brady headed south, Evans was quietly one of the most reliable and consistent receivers in football.

His 6-foot-5 frame helps him in the deep passing game, as well as inside the red zone.

Evans is a three-time Pro Bowler at this point in his career. His first Pro Bowl nod came in 2016 where he had 96 receptions for 1,321 yards and 12 touchdowns. He notched his career high in yards in 2018, accounting for 1,524 yards on 86 catches and earning his second trip to the Pro Bowl.

Evans missed three games in 2019, but was still selected to his third Pro Bowl after catching 67 passes for nearly 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns. He may not be as flashy as other receivers around the league, but Evans has been consistent and reliable for the Bucs. Playing alongside several weapons like Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown will impact his numbers, but he is one of the most productive receivers of the last decade.

Home/NFL