Last year, Tampa's safeties accrued for 2 INTs. That's it. Evans has not played a lot since being drafted in 2017 in the second round, missing all of 2019.
Justin Evans Stats
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2017: 14 games, 66 tkls, 2 TFLs, 0 sacks, 3 INTs, 6 PDs
2018: 10 games, 69 tkls, 1 TFL, 0 sacks, 1 INT, 2 PDs
2019: Did not play due to injury.
== Statistical History of Safeties, 2016-2019 ==
2019 (Head Coach = Arians)
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Tackles = 169
Sacks = 1
TFLs = 11
PDs = 19
INTs = 2
2018 (Head Coach = Koetter)
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Tackles = 235
Sacks = 0
TFLs = 5
PDs = 17
INTs = 6
2017 (Head Coach = Koetter)
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Tackles = 216
Sacks = 0
TFLs = 3
PDs = 17
INTs = 4
2016 (Head Coach = Koetter)
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Tackles = 217
Sacks = 0
TFLs = 6
PDs = 24
INTs = 8
Huh. The crazy part here is that so many people keep stating that our safeties must know how to tackle under a Todd Bowles defense. Yet, Bowles' secondary posted the worst tackling accruing safety corps.
The 2019 safety group notched only 2 INTs, but the previous regime were able to generate more INTs. This reveals just how lacking of talent we are in the safety position.
With the drafting of ball hawk Antoine Winfield, Jr and the addition of a healthy Justin Evans, could Tampa be in line for a vast upgrade at safety?
Metrics
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Justin Evans: 6'0, 199 lbs, 32" arm length, 4.57 40-time (Pro Day)
Antoine Winfield, Jr: 5'9, 203 lbs, 30 1/8" arm length, 4.45 40-time
What is interesting to note about Evans' scouting profile is that one of his weaknesses is his missed tackles, but he also carries a huge boom to his tackling. Apparently, improved tackling can happen with NFL coaching.
Yet, under a Bowles' system, the safeties don't do a lot of heavy lifting in tackling. The iLBs usually carry the load for a Bowles defense. Tampa's safety duo needs to produce more turnovers. Hopefully, with a healthy Justin Evans paired with rookie Winfield Jr, Tampa finally has talent again because 2 INTs just is not enough in the NFL.
Biggest question is, "Will Justin Evans be healthy to participate in 2020?"
