From Seventh Pick to Super Bowl Star: The Rise of Mike Evans with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mike Evans, the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, has become an integral part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ success. Despite being chosen high in the draft, his performance on the field has exceeded expectations, as recognized by CBS Sports. In a list of 15 players drafted at their position in the last 10 NFL Drafts, Evans was ranked seventh for his overall value.

Known for his consistency and high level of performance, Evans has set records with 10 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons at the start of his career and has made significant contributions to the Buccaneers, including their 2020 Super Bowl win. This success led to Evans signing a lucrative two-year contract worth up to $52 million at the age of 30.

Looking back at the 2014 draft, it’s evident that some teams may have missed out on Evans’ potential. The Buffalo Bills, for example, selected Sammy Watkins instead of Evans, who has had a less successful career. Similarly, many of the players drafted ahead of Evans no longer play in the league, highlighting the value of his lengthy tenure with the Buccaneers.

Evans’ impact on the Buccaneers cannot be understated, and he has solidified his legacy in Tampa Bay. Had GMs had the opportunity to choose again, it’s likely that most would not have passed up the chance to select Evans at the seventh spot in the 2014 draft. As Evans continues to excel on the field, fans can expect more from him in the coming seasons. For