Buccaneers: Three Pro Bowl locks for the 2017 season

2. Mike Evans

Don’t be surprised at the obvious names, the title of the article is “locks“, not “bold predictions“.

What is there to say about Mike Evans that hasn’t already been said? He has been in the league for three years and he has been spectacular for three years. Each year he has eclipsed the 1,000 yard receiving mark, and in two out of three posted 12 touchdowns. Since his arrival on the scene in 2014, Evans has been the main receiving threat and been worth every moment of his time.

He has also improved his game along the way. His biggest problem earlier in his career was his hands. Evans’ dropped pass percentage in 2015 was 7.4%. What did he do? He made himself better. In 2016, his percentage dropped to 4.1% (per Sporting Charts). A good player rests on his laurels, an elite player strives to get better every day. The latter is Mike Evans and the Bucs are lucky to have him.

You know what else is scary? Evans might even be better this year. Like we talked about yesterday, he has been near the bottom in yards after the catch, or “Y.A.C”. Part of the reason for this is being the only target. As the only receiver defenses were worried about, multiple tacklers were around Evans ready to bring him down immediately after the catch. Add DeSean Jackson to the mix and all of a sudden, Evans will have room to roam. With fewer defenders around, he can make people miss and bring that number way up.

Look for his second straight Pro Bowl appearance in 2017.