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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Expectations for Jameis Winston, Mike Evans

By Robert Brewer

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The Jameis Winston era has officially begun for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Winston’s success in 2015 will largely depend upon the development of last year’s first round selection Mike Evans. The young, strapping, six-foot-five inch receiver from Texas A&M enjoyed a marvelous rookie campaign in 2014, catching 68 passes for 1,051 yards and 12 touchdowns.

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After getting off to a slow start early last year, Evans enjoyed a three game streak of recording at least 100 yards and one touchdown. No rookie receiver since the explosive Randy Moss in 1998 had enjoyed such a hot streak in the NFL. Moving forward, what can Bucs’ fans expect to see from this potentially lethal duo this season?

The first thing that gets me excited about the Winston to Evans connection is the sheer youth this tandem possesses. Had Evans elected to exhaust his full college eligibility, he would be entering his final year with the Aggies this season. As for Winston, he would be entering his third year of eligibility had he stayed in Tallahassee for another year. With tremendous physical talent at their disposal, these college underclassmen can learn the pro game together for years to come.

The next part of the equation has to do with Evans’ growth and production despite a poor quarterback situation. With Josh McCown and Mike Glennon playing musical chairs as Tampa Bay’s starting quarterbacks last year, Evans still managed to record team highs in touchdowns (12) and receiving yards (1,051). If Winston is as good as advertised and can provide some much needed stability at the quarterback position, the sky will be the limit with regards to Evans’ production.

Dec 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) reacts after he scored a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

In addition, I thought Mike Evans did a great job of catching onto the subtle nuances of the pro game last year. These skills will undoubtedly help his rookie quarterback transition to the NFL. For example, I noticed that Evans showcased great footwork around the sidelines. While college receivers are required to get only one foot in bounds, Evans was routinely able to get both feet down when making catches near the sidelines or in the back of the end zone.

Evans also was able to utilize his size to box out opposing corners in jump ball and back-shoulder fade situations. Furthermore, I believe that Evans’ huge catch radius will allow Winston to take more risks with the football. I am confident that this duo can be successful because we have already seen Winston at his best when he is paired up with king-sized athletic receivers.

Dec 6, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) on the field during warm ups at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

As a redshirt freshman at Florida State in 2013, Winston flourished with Kelvin Benjamin, another big bodied receiver who was taken in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft. Without Benjamin in 2014, Winston’s yards per completion dropped from 10.6 to 8.4. Also, Winston’s interceptions increased from 10 in 2013 to 18 in 2014 despite playing in one fewer game this past season. Granted, Winston’s drop off isn’t completely attributed to the loss of one player, but I do think being paired with another blue-chip receiving talent can help Winston regain his 2013 form.

Of course, it also helps that Evans has publicly endorsed the selection of Winston after the draft. With Tampa Bay in need of a new signal caller, Evans told SportsTalkFlorida.com that he actually preferred Winston over fellow Heisman winning quarterback Marcus Mariota who was drafted second overall by Tennessee. “Out of [Winston] and Mariota, I like Winston more. I think he’ll come in and do well for us. I’m excited to have him, he can hang in the pocket and deliver the ball.”

Sep 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Evans has built up plenty of equity within the organization with his strong play thus far. I believe he is an emerging star and will have a great season regardless of who his quarterback is. However, the great unknown about this combination is whether or not Winston’s well documented off-the-field lifestyle will interfere with his on-field success. That being the case, there is really no way of predicting how that variable will affect the Winston to Evans connection.

Next: Jameis Winston will light up NFL

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