Buccaneers WR Mike Evans could polish HOF resume with next big milestone

Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans is nearing a milestone that might make his Pro Football Hall of Fame case more compelling.

With his 123-yard game against the Ravens on Thursday, Evans is 122 yards short of 10,000 career receiving yards. When he surpasses that number, he would become the first Buc and 51st player to accomplish the feat.

The 29-year-old, who is nine years into his NFL career, already has more receiving yards than a handful of Hall of Fame receivers. He is 1,741 receiving yards and five touchdowns short of Calvin Johnson, who was inducted last year.

Evans is on a historic pace and doesn't seem to be slowing. In fact, he's the first player in NFL history to start his career with eight straight 1,000-yard seasons.

Aside from receiving yards, Evans is the Bucs' franchise leader in receiving touchdowns (78) and receptions (645) — and second place is not even close. His 78 receiving touchdowns ranks him No. 33 in NFL history, tied with fellow 2014 draft pick Davante Adams. A Super Bowl ring also adds a nice touch to Evans' resume.

Of active players, Evans ranks fifth in all-time receiving yards, behind only teammate Julio Jones (13,427), DeSean Jackson (11,110), DeAndre Hopkins (10,843) and A.J. Green (10,334).

In July, Evans was asked if he had Hall of Fame potential during an interview with KPRC 2 Houston's Ari Alexander.

 "That's what I'm working for, why not?" Evans said. "I'm trying to be the best in the game right now, and ultimately one of the best to ever play."