Future Enshrinement
Although he will not vocally proclaim himself or highlight his notable achievements, Mike Evans has produced a career worthy of immortality in Canton. One day, the legendary Buccaneer will be enshrined in the Hall of Fame, joining the fraternity of all-time-greats. Evans is the only receiver in NFL history with 1,000-plus receiving yards in each of his first 10 seasons, surpassing Hall of Famer Randy Moss. He is the Bucs' franchise receptions leader, franchise receiving yards leader, franchise receiving touchdowns leader and has the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to begin a career in the NFL. Evans is among rare air, but the high-point specialist is still hungry for more. Rather than dwelling on milestones eclipsed, Evans has his sights on shattering records and making his family proud between the hash marks.
"I feel like there is still more for me to do to solidify that [Hall of Fame] and lock that up," said Evans. "I am proud of what I have done in my career. Looking back on it…I just feel like there are things I could do better, and I need to do better, and I am still in the moment. I cannot just sit and dwell on what I have done. I still want to be one of those guys."
Prolific Career of Lavonte David
Inside linebacker Lavonte David is the linchpin of the Buccaneers' defense and sets the standard of excellence. Like Evans, he has achieved both longevity and consistency throughout his storied career. David is one-of-eight players in league annals with 1,400-plus tackles, 30.0-plus sacks and 10-plus interceptions. He is the longest tenured player on the Bucs' roster and is the solo tackle leader among all active players in the league with 1,042 and trails only Bobby Wagner in career tackles among active players with 1,490.
"He is the ultimate captain," described Evans. "He is the most underrated player ever. He does it all. He covers, he tackles, he takes the ball away and he does all of those things. He leads us week-in and week-out, year-in and year-out…He is a legend."
David is regarded as one of the best off-ball linebackers in the game with elite coverage skills. The zone-buster and screen-sniffer plays with rare instincts and understanding of angles when taking on blocks and in pursuit. Whether stonewalling a rusher, covering a tight end in man or blitzing, David is effective. Throughout the last decade as the game has evolved, David has adjusted his game to combat pass-heavy attacks.
"I feel like people are just waiting for Lavonte's downfall and it just never happens," stated Cameron Brate via Bucs Total Access. "He just keep getting better. He is a fine wine. Lavonte is a Hall of Fame-level player. No question. It is unfortunate the way that it works because it comes down to how many Pro Bowls and All-Pros [you have], but Lavonte got the short end of the stick for so many years because he was classified in the same category as pass rushers, who had a ton of sacks. So, they would get all the accolades. Maybe he doesn't have all the All-Pros or Pro Bowls, but you look over the course of his career and he was one of the best linebackers, like true linebackers in the NFL."
Rookie Route-Running Prowess
During the offseason workout program, rookie Jalen McMillan carved out a role as the No.3 receiver on the Bucs' depth chart behind Evans and Chris Godwin. McMillan primarily played in the slot at the collegiate ranks but has the position flexibility to play the X and Z. He is fluid on routes and has the ability to bait defensive backs with fakes. McMillan varies his releases and has the body control to fight through contact. He garnered attention throughout training camp and drew praise from Evans for his route-running precision.
"He was a really polished player coming in as far as route running and knowledge of the game," noted Evans. "When I came in, I did not know NFL playbooks like that. I did not know how to slide adjustments and things like that. I was not great at reading coverages, and he can do all of those things."
