National outlet adds more fuel to Tampa Bay Buccaneers' fire with recent ranking of its biggest star

Very few people outside of the Tampa Bay area and their fan base believe in the Buccaneers.  But then again, the Bucs have been a franchise that have flown under pretty much everyone's radar - save from 2020-2022 when Tom Brady was in town.  

However, sometimes that oversight simply isn't fair.  That's particularly the case with franchise icons Mike Evans and Lavonte David, who'd likely be celebrated as future Canton, Ohio staples with other more revered franchises. 

And the lack of respect for Evans continues now even after a big season from him in 2023 that earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors.  Pro Football Focus put out their list of their top 32 wide receivers across the league, and Evans came in all the way down at #20. 

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. - Sam Monson, Pro Football Focus

Evans being down at 20 simply doesn't fit with the performance he turned in last season.  He tied with Tyreek Hill for the most receiving touchdowns in the league with 13.  He was ninth in receiving yards (1255) and tenth in average yards per catch (15.9).  He also posted, as Monson notes, a solid Pro Football Focus grade of 81.5.  

None of that really lines up with the twentieth-best wideout in the league.  But then again, that's just par for the course regarding the national media's perception of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Some pegged them as a two-win team in 2023 after the retirement of Tom Brady.  The Bucs made them look foolish.  General manager Jason Licht admitted that the disrespect fuels their fire and serves as a strong motivator. 

Now, Evans will get his chance to show that he's still every bit the star he's been during his first decade in the league.  And that's just the way he and the Buccaneers like it to be.