Kyle Brandt: Mike Evans Is The Greatest Buccaneer Of All-Time
September 12th, 2024
Greatest Bucs player?
Look, Mike Evans is going to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Only a devout hater would suggest otherwise.
But the greatest Bucs player of all time? That’s what Kyle Brandt of NFL Network thinks.
Wednesday, Brandt took time on the show he co-hosts, “Good Morning Football” (seen weekday mornings) and made a very compelling case that Evans is the greatest player to ever wear the pewter and red or creamsicle.
Brandt rattled off three of the current five Bucs in the Hall of Fame and suggested Evans had a bigger impact than Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks and Rondé Barber. Brandt argued that those three aforementioned Bucs greats helped each other reach stardom.
Who has Evans played alongside outside of a couple of years with Tom Brady and foot-rubbing Rob Gronkowski that enhanced his career? Yes, Chris Godwin is fantastic but Joe doesn’t even think Godwin would claim he’s a Hall of Fame player.
Vincent Jackson was a fantastic receiver but he ran out of gas after a year with Evans.
Evans, perhaps within three weeks, could be in the top-10 all-time for touchdown catches. He needs six to tie former Bucs receiver Tim Brown and Seahawks great at No. 9 all-time with 100 touchdown catches.
Brooks is No. 3 all-time in solo tackles with 1,300. He was also named to the NFL’s all-time top-100 players list.
Weighing Brooks and Evans is interesting.
Joe guesses Evans might tip the scales because he played on some really awful teams yet he balled out and produced no matter the coach, coordinator or quarterback. Brooks played on five losing teams.
The guy Brandt never mentioned makes Joe think long and hard. Lee Roy Selmon, the original Bucs player, was an insanely good player.
Joe remembers when the Pro Bowl actually meant something to players, Selmon was unstoppable.
In the 1982 game, the AFC team double-teamed Selmon and it didn’t matter. He had four sacks despite two Pro Bowlers (not a pair of slappies) double-teaming him. Selmon was that dominant.
Selmon won “Player of the Game” for that 1982 Pro Bowl. He was also named “Defensive Player of the Year” in 1979, won “Lineman of the Year” four times and was named to the Pro Bowl six times in his nine-year career.
If Selmon had a mean streak (he was a giant teddy bear) he may have been illegal.
In the NFL Network series of shows where the Top-100 players in the history of the NFL were named, Selmon, of course, made this list. Mean Joe Greene also coached for several years in the NFL and said he thought “Lee Roy was the best three-man-front defensive end I ever saw.” Bill Belichick replied enthusiastically, “I agree!”
Hall of Fame general manager Ron Wolf, who drafted Selmon for the Bucs and later while running the Packers, signed free agent Reggie White, said Selmon was better.
Was Evans the greatest receiver who ever played? Let’s not get crazy.
So, Brooks or Evans? That’s a helluva argument. Evans and Selmon? That’s hard for Joe to give Evans the edge there — when sober-minded men greatly respected in the league claim Selmon was the greatest three-man-front defensive end to ever play.
What Evans does have that Selmon didn’t is a big ol’ fat Super Bowl ring.
Regardless, Joe is so, so happy that not only has Evans played for the Bucs, but he decided to stay when he easily could have gone elsewhere.
To see and hear Brandt’s argument for Evans, you can watch the segment below.
My take on Mike Evans. You may disagree. pic.twitter.com/9nsIsV72tY
— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) September 11, 2024
September 12th, 2024 at 12:17 am
I saw it live. It was good to hear someone talking good about the Bucs. So.meone also said that Baker had the best week out of all of the QB’s
September 12th, 2024 at 12:23 am
Definitely the best offensive Buc of all time.
September 12th, 2024 at 12:26 am
Kyle’s take is right on. I love those other hall of famers, but ME13 is one of a kind.
September 12th, 2024 at 12:44 am
LeeRoy’s career was shortened by injury but his best (78-81) was the brightest star. Brooks is really the only one close to Evans in terms of longevity, but Sapp enabled him to play inside at that weight and cover like a DB. But Mike’s work is still in progress and a star that is not fading. Kyle ain’t wrong here. Evans is the greatest Buccaneer.
September 12th, 2024 at 12:56 am
LOL That’s not even debatable. 🙂
September 12th, 2024 at 3:23 am
Selmon was the greatest Buccaneer of all time. To me that is easily apparent. In my opinion, Ronde Barber was the greatest CB I ever saw play so I put him at #2. Evans is third followed by Brooks, Sapp and the rest.
September 12th, 2024 at 3:25 am
One other thing to consider is that Brandt is not a dedicated Buccaneer fan so his opinion carries less weight with me.
September 12th, 2024 at 3:33 am
Mike is still going so this argument is moot. What happens if Mike plays 20, and shatters Jerry rice’s records? Then what?
September 12th, 2024 at 3:38 am
I love how Sapp is last on the list for everyone on here…
I love it because when I met him in person he was a tool.
September 12th, 2024 at 4:12 am
I know he couldn’t but he should have listed the slew of passers Mike endured to set this record.
Mike balls no matter who is slinging the rock
September 12th, 2024 at 4:27 am
Brooks and Selmon were the best in the NFL at their positions, and arguably the best ever at their positions. Maybe Sapp, too.
Evans is more “best at what he does,” a la Lynch and Ronde. Evans is as good as ever, but most observers would not say he’s even top five in the league, currently.
September 12th, 2024 at 5:38 am
Kyle’s rant did not include Lee Roy in his list of Buc legends….unforgiveable!
Mike has earned more accolades than he has received no doubt about it!
He is without doubt suffering form the Tampa Bay curse however you wish to define it. He is a first ballot HOF WR! Period!
Will he get that?
Go Bucs!
September 12th, 2024 at 5:47 am
Agree with Kyle 100%. This was a great video of his explanation and not taking away from all the other Buc players. I did tear up re-watching Mike being drafted. It’s good to go back and revisit these NFL draft night memories. Mike displayed so much humbleness and thankfulness being drafted by the Bucs that night, and is still the same guy. Lucky us.
September 12th, 2024 at 5:49 am
Great take Joe, Mike Evans is my favorite Buccaneer ever and he is definitely the best offensive player ever and in my book he’s not done yet and will be the greatest Buccaneer of all time.
September 12th, 2024 at 7:38 am
Is Brandt old enough to remember Leroy Selmon, did he ever actually watch him play?
I was lucky to see him play a few times in the “Ol Sombrero”.
Evans is top 3 Buccaneers players ever. Future First Ballot HOF Member. Thankful that Mike wanted to stay, even with more money on the table. Godwin is a fantastic compliment WR with Evans.
IMHO Godwin will stay with the Buccaneers. This is how you build team culture, along with
September 12th, 2024 at 8:00 am
As a Bucs lifer and there starting in 91976 I still say –
1) Leroy
After that this is a great debate, esp with the defensive guys but I would go-
2) Sapp
3) Brooks
4) Barber
5) Lynch
For now, I would put big Mike at No. 4. Let’s see next few seasons.
And I have to say James Wilder is the most underrated Bucs of all time. Dude was a flat out baller… Right there with the A-train.. And we can’t forget about Mr Gruber.
September 12th, 2024 at 8:02 am
For me, meaning only my opinion, it’s:
Brooks
Sapp
Selmon
Evans
September 12th, 2024 at 8:04 am
Barry Switzer said Leroy Selmon was the best player he ever coached and he coached some incredible players.
September 12th, 2024 at 8:11 am
Rhino, no Brandt is not old enough to have seen Selmon play. He suffers from recency bias which is a common affliction among the news-talk crowd.
September 12th, 2024 at 8:20 am
Okay, so Sapp, Selmon, Brooks, Barber, and Evans are all on the draft board and you’re picking the first player for your team. Who’s it going to be?
September 12th, 2024 at 8:30 am
Off/Def Player of the Year trumps it in favor of Brooks/Sapp/Selmon.
September 12th, 2024 at 8:32 am
Cannon Says:
September 12th, 2024 at 12:23 am
Definitely the best offensive Buc of all time.
————————-
I agree 1000%, plus Mike is one class act of a human being. However, the greatest Buc overall (and just edging ME13 out) is Mr. Lee Roy Selmon (RIP). I had the great fortune to meet this gentleman/gentle man (he was both). He was highly intelligent, spoke just like a cultured gentleman, and gracious. You would never know that from his looks and his ferocious play on the field. He also helped get USF’s football program off the ground. Tampa named a street after him. A tremendous human being. Made me feel proud to be of the same species. Go Bucs, ME13, and I salute you, Lee Roy!!
September 12th, 2024 at 8:33 am
Cannon Says:
September 12th, 2024 at 12:23 am
Definitely the best offensive Buc of all time.
————————-
I agree 1000%, plus Mike is one class act of a human being. However, the greatest Buc overall (and just edging ME13 out) is Mr. Lee Roy Selmon (RIP). I had the great fortune to meet this gentleman/gentle man (he was both). He was highly intelligent, spoke just like a cultured gentleman, and gracious. You would never know that from his looks and his ferocious play on the field. He also helped get USF’s football program off the ground. Tampa named a street after him. A tremendous human being. Made me feel proud to be of the same species. Go Bucs, ME13, and I salute you, Lee Roy!!
September 12th, 2024 at 8:47 am
Evans is Great and his TD catch last week was a thing of beauty that truly was a great great great catch ……… I will say he is def Hall worthy but can he please stop acting 1/2 injured after home sideline catches and pulling himself out of the game . He will do this crap on like the 2 nd play of a drive and give this whole I’m kinda injured and so wore out act which is just ridiculous……….. Hey, he’s been in the league a lot of years and I would definitely want him on a pitch count especially this weekend in Detroit. So let’s just pop up after the catch and stop all the acting. It is becoming Habitually ridiculous !! M E is worthy of the Hall of Fame , act like it !! Mike, you’re the greatest Offensive Buc of all time !! Thanks !!
September 12th, 2024 at 9:01 am
Can you imagine what it would be like if Bowles had Selmon? When Selmon played, his defensive coordinators seemed allergic to the blitz. That used to really anger my Dad and me, especially when Hugh Green was here too. Selmon occupying 2-3 blockers wasn’t uncommon. His line mates being handled by one blocker each was unfortunately common. Selmon would have had 25+ sacks per year if the Bucs blitzed more often.
So I’ll say Selmon is the GOAT of the Bucs.
September 12th, 2024 at 9:06 am
On the Bucs RIGHT NOW we have 4 (maybe 6)
GOAT BUCS BY POSITION …
GOATS
1. Evans
2. Wirfs
GOAT CANDIDATES
3. AWJ
4. LVD
DARKHORSE GOATS
5. Baker
6. Barton
September 12th, 2024 at 9:07 am
It’s Sapp for me. In my opinion all of those great Buccaneers defenses started with Sapp. If Sapp wasn’t dominating the front then Brooks, Lynch, and Barber don’t have as great playing careers as they did. They would have been great, but not as great.
September 12th, 2024 at 9:08 am
Doubt it, but that doesn’t mean Selmon should be ignored. There’s plenty of film of Selmon out there and since Brandt works for NFL Media (the company “NFL Media” not the hashtag) he or one of his producers only needs to send one email to the other wing of NFL Media in Philadelphia which runs NFL Films and Brandt could get oodles of video and testimony of Selmon.
September 12th, 2024 at 9:11 am
Very true!
September 12th, 2024 at 9:15 am
HeyJude, I agree! I forgot how emotional Mike was the night he was drafted. Thank you Jason Licht! What a draft pick.
September 12th, 2024 at 9:26 am
Sorry about the double post, but that’s a tech gremlin on this site. LOL.
September 12th, 2024 at 9:39 am
I responded to that tweet by pointing out very few people would put Sapp in front of Lee Roy, saw no response
September 12th, 2024 at 9:43 am
His point that Mike has performed, regardless of the crap QB and coaching he endured is absolutely valid. He’s been a Buc longer than any of them, and has been consistently good since day 1.
Brooks Sapp Barber and Lynch each had a hand in the other’s success. All great players, but none had to do it alone. Barber is the only one that comes close.
Leroy is a legend, but his shortened career has to be accounted for. Not fair, but Mike’s longevity and consistency puts him ahead of Selmon.
September 12th, 2024 at 9:48 am
The key is that Mike isn’t done playing, or setting new records.
Maybe we should revisit this discussion on the very sad day that he announces his retirement, hopefully several (at least) years in the future
September 12th, 2024 at 11:07 am
What folks nowadays do not know about Leroy Selmon is that his actual playing weight was about 215-220 not the oft pegged bio weight of 250-260. Leroy would hide weights in his clothing at the annual first reporting weigh in to give the coaches the illusion that he was 250 which is what they wanted.
Leroy attributed some of his incredible success to the fact that he was so darn fast at 215-220 that he was blowing by most LT’s before they even came out of their stance. Watching Selmons’ incredible highlight reels bear this out. Selmon lived in Carrollwood as did I and I had the pleasure of meeting him on several occasions , Leroy was humble to a fault and as genuinely approachable as any regular guy.
Why not just say Leroy is #1 on defense and Mike is #1 on offense.
September 12th, 2024 at 11:45 am
I love Mike. But I’m going with Brooks on this one. Mike can take over games and is never hurt, but Brooks was dominant for his entire career.
September 12th, 2024 at 11:54 am
Sapp, Brooks, Barber were all part of a system and that made life easier for them. Thats not even mentioning Lynch, Rice etc. No disrespect but like it or not you HAVE to factor what Mike is doing by himself, over longevity and with his carousel of surrounding mostly ordinary supporting players outside of one or two.
Evans has done something no WR in the HISTORY of football has done. In any era. Is EVERYONE on crazy pills!!! Mike is number 1. That’s exactly why the media is slow to give him credit. We have so many so called lifelong Bucs fan that cannot drop their biases and be objective. This is NOT an opinionated question. What Evans has done on the field speaks for itself and is UNPRECEDENTED by any WR ever on any team ever in the history of football.
September 12th, 2024 at 11:57 am
I think Lee Roy does deserve to be on top of the Bucs Mt. Rushmore for the simple fact that Mike can get shutdown by certain CBs. If there wasn’t a single CB that Mike couldn’t dominate, he would have a stronger case over Lee Roy simply because of Mike’s longevity and consistency. But, it’s not surprising Kyle anointed Mike because of recency bias. Lee Roy played in an era with no social media, a really bad market (worse than what it is now for the Bucs), no fantasy football, etc.
I wish I was able to see Lee Roy play. I might have to look for some old games somewhere. I think by the time I fell in love with football, it was the late 80s and I was a big time Joe Montana/49ers fan.
September 12th, 2024 at 12:00 pm
It’s a wonderful tribute, full stop. I don’t believe in the word “or.”
Selmon AND Sapp AND Brooks AND Evans, and…….
September 12th, 2024 at 12:04 pm
Don’t think it is a coincidence that ME and Baker both decided to stay with Bucs. If both stay healthy, they will be the best combo in the league. Wouldn’t be surprised if ME pushes 20TD’s this season.
September 12th, 2024 at 3:02 pm
@Joe – I’m pretty sure Evans already has 96 TDs in the regular season, plus 5 more in playoffs…
Here’s something even crazier: since 2019 he leads the league in receiving touchdowns at 56 (tied with Davante Adams). But here the difference:
Mike has 56 TDs on 372 receptions
Davante has 56 TDs on 529 receptions
Evans’ touchdown % is over 15% of his receptions. That is insane!
September 12th, 2024 at 3:13 pm
Hey love my 2002 SB guys, but ME13 come on, 11 years, tell who else still active drafted the same year is putting up those numbers? Me being a BUC fan since 1976 at the ripe old age 12 have seen them all and I have to say for consistency, durability and truly no drop-off in performance (sidenote: Alstott truly my favorite Buc of all time) ME13 is still the best and still cranking it out! GO BUCS
September 12th, 2024 at 3:27 pm
No.
Top player is Warren Sapp, followed by Derrick Brooks, followed by Lee Roy Selmon – assuming you’re not counting Brady, which I don’t.
On offense, then yes, but the Bucs have multiple first ballot HOFers who changed the way the game is played, and those guys will always be at the top of the list because of that.
No disrespect to Mike at all, the fact people are finally talking about if he’s a 1st ballot or 2nd ballot HOFer is fantastic, and I’m glad to see him finally, on a national level, getting the credit he deserves.
September 12th, 2024 at 5:36 pm
Him and lavonte
September 12th, 2024 at 11:39 pm
Lee Roy was in a class all of his own. Sapp was great, but a distant second to Mister Selmon. There has to be a few left who actually saw both of them play.
September 13th, 2024 at 5:30 am
I don’t hate the argument. I love Mike Evans and he deserves to be in the conversation and his career is still going. I respect all the opinions and won’t disagree if some think its Brooks or Selmon.
I just think its Sapp no question for me. He changed the franchise. He made that defense. if you ask Brooks or Lynch they’d probably say Sapp was the most important.
Never Saw Selmon play so there is that. Brooks was incredible and I think the best weak side linebacker or at least in that conversation.
The other issue is has Evans ever considered to be the best at his position in the league? I think he’s top 5 wide out consistently over the years. However he doesn’t seem to even be regarded in the top 5 annually at his position. You can’t say that for Selmon , Sapp, or Brooks. Never a doubt where they were held in the pecking order.
September 13th, 2024 at 8:08 am
I had the pleasure of meeting Lee Roy. Great guy. Sapp is a jerk.