Mike Evans showcased last season that he still can put up numbers with the best of them when it comes to NFL wide receivers. Look no further than his 79 receptions for 1,255 yards and tying for the league lead with 13 touchdowns.

At 30 years old, Evans has shown no signs of slowing down and looked revitalized as Baker Mayfield’s top target in the passing game. Things should remain the same heading into next season, but when looking at a recent wide receiver positional ranking done by Pro Football Focus, he is once again being overlooked and undervalued outside of Tampa Bay.

Mike Evans Ranks 20th On PFF’s WR Rankings

Bucs WR Mike Evans – Photo by: USA Today

Although he filled up the stat sheet last season and played very much like a Top 10 wide receiver, PFF ranked Mike Evans 20th in their rankings. This is what Sam Monson said of Evans:

Still one of the league’s most effective receivers, Mike Evans continued his streak of 1,000-yard seasons with Baker Mayfield under center and will look to do so again in 2024. Evans had 13 touchdown receptions last season and an 81.5 PFF grade.

There is little debating the top five at the position, as those spots are filled by Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson, Miami’s Tyreek Hill, Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase, Dallas’ CeeDee Lamb, and Philadelphia’s A.J. Brown. It is not too far after them, though, where the discussion should begin with ranking the Bucs’ offensive legend, as his numbers and consistency warrant a higher placement.

For instance, rounding out the Top 10 are the Rams’ Cooper Kupp and the 49ers’ Deebo Samuel. Kupp has not had a 1,000-yard season since his historic 2021 campaign, and he is older than Evans and now shares his targets with Puka Nacua. Samuel is a dynamic weapon both catching and running the football but has only put together one truly dominant season since being drafted back in 2019.

Making the case for Evans to hover around that mark makes a lot of sense when considering how he continues to produce. Even with a new offensive coordinator and sharing the ball with Chris Godwin and others, he is still primed for a big season playing within an offense that will cater to his skillset.

One other intriguing takeaway from the ranking is that Evans only places one spot ahead of Cardinals’ Marvin Harrison Jr., who was the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and has yet to play an NFL game. Harrison is one of the best wide receiver prospects in years, but with Evans, there is plenty on the resume and plenty left in the tank going into next season.

Chris Godwin Sneaks Onto The List At 31st

Bucs WR Chris Godwin – Photo by: USA Today

Just making the list at No. 31 is Chris Godwin. Godwin, who is entering his contract year with the Bucs, is looking to continue his streak of 1,000-yard seasons.

Another year removed from the torn ACL he suffered back in 2021, he is looking to “make the plays” that get him paid this year and show that he is still a Pro Bowl-caliber wideout who can stretch the field and find the end zone. Monson spoke favorably about Godwin’s abilities and how it will help him next season.

Injuries have hampered Chris Godwin, but he is an extremely capable and versatile receiver. Last season, just 37% of his snaps came from the slot, having lined up inside on 73% of his snaps the season before. Whether he lines up inside or out, Godwin makes plays and moves the chains, with 53 first-down catches in each year.

Mike Evans Looking To Continue Building Legacy Next Season

Bucs WR Mike Evans – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Although Mike Evans ranks lower than he should on PFF’s list, there is little denying the ranking Evans has as one of the best Bucs of all time, especially on the offensive side of the ball. His route-running savviness and big-play ability were big reasons why the Bucs re-signed him this offseason on a two-year, $41 million deal.

As he said in a behind-the-scenes documentary last month, Evans wants to keep building his legacy in Tampa Bay – and if it all works out – be a Buccaneer for life.

“A solid legacy,” Evans said of what he wants to be known for when he retires. “Won some games, broke records, made some good coin, took care of his family, and helped out in the community.”

He has already made good on many of those goals, and heading into next season, perhaps continuing to prove people wrong is another. Much like how Lavonte David has been perenially underrated throughout his career, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin both head into next season wanting to prove that they are each two of the best receivers in the league.