Mike Evans, wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has once again surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in the 2024 NFL season, marking his 11th consecutive season achieving this milestone despite missing three games. As the NFL prepares to unveil its 2025 Top 100 Players list, voted on by players, Evans secured the 44th spot, reinforcing his long-standing consistency and impact on the field.
Mike Evans Earns 44th Spot on 2025 NFL Top 100 Players List
This year, Evans dropped from his previous ranking of 26th in 2024 to 44th on the NFL Top 100 Players list, yet remains in the upper half of the rankings. Positioned ahead of the San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Trent Williams and just behind Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter, both elite talents in their positions, Evans demonstrates that he is still viewed highly among his peers. Despite a slower season overall and reaching the 1,000-yard mark only on his final catch of the year during Week 18 against the New Orleans Saints, Evans tied the record for most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons originally set by the legendary Jerry Rice. His 1,004 yards this season represent his lowest since 2017, highlighting an unusual dip in production for the Texas A&M alum.
Early Recognition: Evans’ Initial NFL Rankings
Evans first appeared on the NFL Top 100 list in 2015, during his rookie season when he recorded 1,051 yards and set a Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie touchdown record with 12 scores. He earned the 75th rank that year, a remarkable nod for a first-year player given his immediate impact on the team.
Emerging as a Star: Career Progression on NFL Top 100 Lists
In 2017, after a standout third season featuring 96 receptions, 1,321 yards, and 12 touchdowns, Evans climbed to 29th on the list, reflecting his growing dominance. The 2018 season remained impressive with a career-best 1,524 yards, solidifying his status as a top receiver, and earning him the 53rd rank in 2019.
Adjusting Roles and Consistent Performance Over the Years
During the 2019 season, Evans shared the receiving load with emerging Buccaneers receiver Chris Godwin, yet still managed to reach 1,000 yards with eight touchdowns, amidst a turbulent year for quarterback Jameis Winston. His steady production kept him at number 30 on the 2020 list.
Joining Forces with Tom Brady and Peak Performance
Evans’ tenure alongside legendary quarterback Tom Brady began in 2020, bringing new energy to Tampa Bay’s passing game. In 2021, Evans posted 13 touchdowns and helped lead the Buccaneers to their first Super Bowl win in nearly two decades, Brady’s seventh championship, while ranking 48th on the NFL Top 100. The next year, Evans recorded 1,035 yards and a career-high 14 touchdowns, maintaining his ranking near the top 50.
Maintaining Form Despite Quarterback Changes
In 2023, his last season with Brady as quarterback, Evans accumulated 1,124 receiving yards and six touchdowns, holding steady at No. 53 on the list. However, the 2024 season, under new quarterback Baker Mayfield, saw a rejuvenation in his statistics. Evans led the receivers with 1,255 yards and shared the league lead with 13 touchdowns alongside Miami Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill, securing his highest NFL Top 100 ranking ever at number 26.
Legacy and Future Outlook
Mike Evans’ 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons tie him with NFL great Jerry Rice, marking a rare level of sustained excellence seldom witnessed in professional football. While his 2024 performance dipped slightly compared to previous years, his durability and consistency remain impressive given the physical demands of the sport and his time on the field. Evans’ position on the 2025 NFL Top 100 reflects both his enduring talent and the challenges ahead as the Buccaneers’ roster evolves with new leadership and teammates.
As Evans continues to build his Hall of Fame-worthy career, the focus will be on whether he can maintain this elite production while adapting to changes in the offensive system and competition in the league. His journey from a standout rookie to a respected veteran remains a testament to his hard work and skill, making him a player to watch in the coming NFL seasons.