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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have added Texas A&M wide receiver Mike Evans in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, and if you're reading this article, you probably already have your thoughts on the newest member of the Bucs.
But before you chisel your conclusion about the new receiver in stone, consider the following draft profiles on Evans from around the web, written by analysts and experts who spend all year studying the prospects in the Draft.
Steve White, SB Nation
What I will say is that Evans seems even bigger on film. Like, the dude was physically imposing in every game no matter who he was matched up against. Not every block of his was a slobberknocker, but, man, when he got his hands on defenders things generally didn't end well for them...
And, man, oh man, is he physical after the catch.
NFL.com, Nolan Narwocki
A prep hoopster with shooting-guard size, Evans combined with Johnny Manziel to form one of the most dominant quarterback-receiver connections in the nation the last two seasons. He's a big, physical, strong-handed, West Coast possession receiver with playmaking ability who projects as a No. 2 in the pros, where he will make his money as a chain mover and red-zone target.
Rob Rang, CBS Sports
Highly physical receiver who uses his size and strength to simply bully defenders. Possesses an NFL-ready body, aiding him in his fight through press coverage, pushing off to generate consistent (if illegal) separation, when boxing out defenders on jump balls and in providing excellent downfield blocking for teammates.
Possesses excellent body control and sticky hands to make difficult receptions. Shows the ability to track passes over either shoulder, as well as the balance and hand-eye coordination to turn and adjust to the ball. Excellent red-zone target.
Evans challenges cornerbacks to tackle him, initiating the contact and, at times, dragging would-be tacklers for extra yardage. Does not possess elite burst but is a smooth accelerator with deceptive straight-line speed, making him a very effective deep threat.
Chris Burke, SI.com
Evans still has extensive work to do on his own game, but being 6-foot-5 with incredible hands and exceptional leaping ability buys him some leeway. Few receivers already in the NFL (Calvin Johnson? Alshon Jeffery?) can win in the air the way that Evans can. He’s also extremely effective when plays break down, finding holes in coverage while working back to the ball, hence his success with the ad-libbing Manziel.
For the NFL, Evans looks like Vincent Jackson - except maybe a little slower. Evans could be a downfield threat with his size and should also be a good possession receiver in the short to intermediate part of the field. With his size and leaping ability, he is always open. Evans has good hands and excellent body control.
Eli Nachmany, Pro Football Focus
The Aggie is strong at the point of the catch and embodies the football version of "playing above the rim." He’ll be a factor in the red zone wherever he goes, but can also legitimize a pass-happy offense that attacks the deep sideline. Evans judges the ball well in the air and is able to adjust to long throws at the last second; many times, he gains an extra bit of separation as the ball comes down.
Matthew Fairburn, SB Nation
Evans grades out as one of the ten best players in the draft on our latest big board. He's the type of receiver who instantly makes his quarterback better. The skills he used to make plays in college all translate to the NFL. He already learned how to win when he wasn't the fastest player on the field. That's only going to help him as he transitions to the NFL and learns how to use his physical tools to out-muscle defensive backs for passes.
The general consensus from the scouting community is that the Buccaneers added a big, strong receiver who attacks the football and is a nightmare in the red zone.
Evans is going to be a reliable chain mover in the NFL for years to come, and if he continues to develop (he's still young and doesn't have a ton of football experience), he could become something special. Evans has the athleticism to become more than just a plodding chain mover, he just has to work to harness it on a down-by-down basis.
But even if Evans simply hits his projection, which is to be like his new teammate Vincent Jackson, the Buccaneers made a wise choice by giving their quarterback yet another huge weapon to throw to for years to come.