Sep 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wood receiver Mike Evans (Texas A&M) was drafted seventh overall this past May. Though he has been quiet so far this season, his numbers should increase with experience.
I’m going to go through why you should stash Evans on your bench or put him on your watch list for a weekly pickup for your fantasy matchups in the future.
Evans could produce dividends for your fantasy as soon as this week because Tampa Bay’s QB Josh McCown is currently out with a thumb injury and is being replaced with backup QB Mike Glennon.
Glennon is going to be a positive influence for Evans’ fantasy value, because he’s a tall QB who can stand in the pocket and throw the ball deep down the field, which is where Evans specializes.
Sep 14, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) runs with the ball as St. Louis Rams strong safety T.J. McDonald (25) tackles during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
McCown wasn’t getting the job done before his injury and was producing horrible QB play. Glennon isn’t a world beater, but he’s going to be an upgrade; plus, he’s going to provide a stronger arm that may give Evans more of a chance to make plays down the field.
Evans is on pace for 69 receptions and 736 yards receiving, which are decent stats for a rookie wide receiver, and again, he’s going to have opportunities to improve and become fantasy relevant.
The rookie wide out could be more of a focal point of the offense by the end of the season, as he is still adjusting to the speed of the game, play-calling and the nature of the NFL.
The Buccaneers have been a dumpster fire of a team so far in 2014, and Evans will have opportunities to capitalize on this during the frequent games where he will be experiencing garbage time.
Evans was one of the main reasons why Johnny Manziel was successful at Texas A&M, bailing him out in a lot of games.
Evans also ran a 4.46 40-yard dash during the combine, and being 6-5, 231 pounds, guys his size aren’t supposed to move that fast.
He also landed a 37-inch vertical during the combine, which means he’s going to win a lot of jump balls in the end zone. Evans has elite measurables, which is why he is an elite prospect, and when he gets his “feet wet” and some experience under his belt, he’s going to be a stud fantasy wide receiver.
How Evans fits for your fantasy team
Evans is a rooki,e and currently he is a risk to start, but with the QB change and his gradual development from game to game, Evans could become a starter for your team by the end of the season.
If you have a deep roster, Evans would be a great stash on your bench. If you don’t have the room for him in your team, then monitor Evans’ progress closely, and if he starts to improve, snatch him off the waiver wire.
He is a prospect who may develop down the road and could help your team in the last half of the season. It’s important to pinpoint prospects who could step up and help your team later for that final playoff push.
Reach out to me on Twitter if you have any questions regarding your fantasy team, @bmatz08. Good luck to your fantasy teams this week.