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Buccaneers draft 2017: Four players who benefit the most from the new class

By Alan Schechter

Mar 1, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) points against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) points against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike Evans

Mike Evans, the perennial 1,000 yard receiver that doesn’t get the credit he deserves. In the current offense, he will be noticed. Beginning in 2017, the tide will start to turn and Evans will finally be noticed for the talent that we were all aware of since day one.

If we are going to be honest, it had already been a good off-season for Evans. The signing of DeSean Jackson was just what the doctor ordered. With Vincent Jackson not able to stay on the field, Jackson is the number two man that the Bucs desperately needed. Evans was targeted 173 times in 2016 to lead the NFL (per Sporting Charts). That number had to come down, and bringing Jackson in will help the Bucs achieve that goal.

But it didn’t stop with Jackson. They drafted O.J. Howard and Chris Godwin. One was highly regarded as the best tight end in the draft, and the other put up big numbers with bad quarterbacks while at Penn State. This team can now send out Evans, Jackson, Godwin, Howard and Brate on pass routes. There is no way to pay special attention to ANYBODY, much less on Evans. He could see more single coverage than he has seen in his entire life.

And that is an exciting prospect.

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