The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have struck gold with rookie wideout Mike Evans. The team's first round selection (seventh overall) in the 2014 NFL Draft, Evans has been everything the Bucs could ask for, and then some. Through his first nine games as a professional, Evans has amassed 49 receptions for 794 yards and seven touchdowns, including a sensational 200 yard performance last Sunday in Washington.
Evans became the first rookie receiver since Randy Moss in 1998 with 100 receiving yards and a touchdown in three straight games. He's done all of this stupendous work for an appallingly dreadful football team that sits in the cellar of the worst division in the NFL. The Bucs have suffered through a tremendous amount of hardship this season, especially on the offensive side of the ball, but the rookie out of Texas A&M just keeps doing his thing.
Whether it's been inconsistent second-year starter Mike Glennon or cautious veteran Josh McCown at the helm, Tampa Bay's offense just hasn't been able to find and sort of stability. Clearly the play of the offensive line has been severely unreliable, but there's no doubt both QB's have underperformed, and their erratic output has been a glaring issue.
It's apparent that 35-year-old McCown is nothing more than a short-term option, and Lovie Smith's obvious dissatisfaction with Glennon indicates that he probably won't be around next season. It should come as no surprise that the team has reportedly been heavily scouting the two top QB's expected to enter next year's NFL draft, Marcus Mariota, out of Oregon, and controversial Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston, out of Florida State.
The Buccaneers are on track to finish the season with one of the worst records in pro football, and will therefore be selecting very highly in the 2015 NFL Draft. Considering the level of talent that lies within the crop of quarterbacks that reside on the top of the big boards, the direction in which general manager Jason Licht and company should go with their first pick seems rather obvious.
Assuming the Bucs wind up with a top five pick, it's plausible to assume that either Mariota or Winston will walk out on the stage inside Radio City Music Hall next April 30th as the newest member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But which QB would be the prime choice?
While both players are extremely skilled, one stands out more than the other - Marcus Mariota. A supremely talented athlete, Mariota also possesses all of the necessary competence that it takes to be a star at the highest level. He's a dual-threat quarterback that can throw very efficiently on the run and also pick up big chunks of yardage with his legs if needed. The 21-year-old junior's surprisingly large frame make him a nightmare to contain, and his vigilant approach has resulted in a QB that doesn't make many mistakes.
That's not to say that Winston doesn't have a tremendous upside as well. After winning the Heisman Trophy and leading his team to a National Championship victory a year ago, Winston has struggled at times in 2014, but his raw skill and athleticism make him another fine candidate. In reality, the biggest drawback is his clear immaturity issues. The sophomore gunslinger has been the news for all the wrong reasons during his brief collegiate tenure. One thing is for sure, pairing either of these two with the stud that is Mike Evans would be a captivating coalition.
Bottom line, Tampa Bay's outstanding, play-making receiver deserves a quarterback who truly strikes fear into the heart of opponents. A dynamic quarterback that can lead a dissatisfied team out of this abyss of mediocrity. Will a player like this be on the board when the Bucs are finalizing their initial selection in next year's draft? If they see a guy they like, it's certainly worth a shot.
It's time that this team made an offensive splash, by bringing in a player that can potentially spark an underachieving team while putting butts in the seats at the same time. Someone that can effectively distribute to his plethora of resources, including their emerging star in Evans. Tampa Bay has found an offensive weapon they can build around. Now they must obtain the right guy to take control and lead this offense.