Koetter: “There’s A Plan” For Mike Evans’ Body
March 3rd, 2016
Makeover coming?
Dirk Koetter had plenty to say to a lot of people, including Joe, at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
As for Mike Evans’ body, Koetter acknowledged there’s work to be done.
In the bowels of Lucas Oil Stadium, a non-Tampa reporter asked Koetter if Evans needed work on his body to avoid the nagging injuries that have slowed his career.
“Sure, there’s definitely a plan in place,” Koetter said. “You know, one thing you got to realize, with the collective bargaining the way it is. In the old days, you started right back with the players, you know, right way. Say you were done [for the season], then you started maybe in February with the players and you had them in your building more. Now with collective bargaining, guys don’t come back till April. So there’s about a three-to-four month window in there where, you know, players have to do some stuff on their own.
“I’ve had multiple talks with Mike, and Mike wants to be a great player. And Mike had a little life issue; he just got married. So he definitely need to take some time off. But I think Mike and Jameis know that they need to have a strong bond.”
Koetter went on to say the perception of Evans is that he underperformed last year, despite 1,206 yards receiving as a 22-year-old. Koetter doesn’t dispute that take at all — in fact, he brought it up — but says the commentary only illustrates what a tremendously high ceiling Evans has, and it’s obvious to all.
It’s noteworthy, but not surprising, that Koetter truly sees Evans as a work in progress on many fronts. And it’s fair, considering Evans’ age and the college offense from which he came.
Evans should be happy that he hasn’t had an NFL head coach truly breathing down his neck and holding his K-Y hands to the fire.
March 3rd, 2016 at 1:09 pm
With a healthy and hopefully upgraded WR corp, ME13 may see less targets if he has some early drops.
Hell, I wish we’d use our TE’s more too.
March 3rd, 2016 at 1:16 pm
Life issue?? Is he referring to him getting married? I would be curious to know what his “issue” was during the season with all his smack talk to the ref’s and so forth. He kinda seems like the type of guy that let’s people or things get in his head and affect his game. I think he needs to work on the mental aspect of his game as much as his catching issues.
March 3rd, 2016 at 1:38 pm
Evans is going to have a big year in 2016. No doubt in my mind.
March 3rd, 2016 at 1:41 pm
How about working on his head first?
March 3rd, 2016 at 1:46 pm
Biff I think your wish will be answered. Koetter spoke more about the TE position than he did WR at the combine. I believe be had big plans there bro.
March 3rd, 2016 at 2:02 pm
Nole on Sat. Let’s hope so. Matchup nightmares for a DC, especially if a RB like Sims.
Agree that most of ME’s issues are mental but he’s just 22. Who here wasn’t mental at that age? At least he’s not a true headcase like his college teammate.
March 3rd, 2016 at 2:05 pm
@TNOLES: I bet his catching issues ARE mental issues.
March 3rd, 2016 at 2:46 pm
Mr. Koetter has got far greater problems than Evans. He..has the task of getting this Bucs team to at least 500 this year. Anything else is..unacceptable after all of the Tampa Bay media hype. We are watching..and waiting.
March 3rd, 2016 at 3:02 pm
Mike Evans has a lot of damage control to do with regards to his well-earned reputation for berating the officials. This is the NFL, Mike, defensive backs get away with holding. This isn’t college where you can use your size and speed to get wide open every play, you’ll have to fight hard and make some difficult catches with defenders hanging all over you. You have the ability, do you have the mental toughness?
March 3rd, 2016 at 3:05 pm
Supposedly OC Monken is a WR whisperer. Good.
March 3rd, 2016 at 3:30 pm
for what it’s worth, the conventional wisdom for NFL WRs has always been that it takes until the 3rd year for the light bulb to really come on. add to that the fact that mike evans’ only got into football late in high school, went through what people are now outing as a lackadaisical program at A & M in the Johnny Football era, and will still be younger than some of the guys getting drafted in May, and I am absolutely counting on continued improvement from Mike Evans.
March 3rd, 2016 at 3:57 pm
Most forget that Mike Evans came out of college early…and didn’t start playing football until late in high school…the guy is extremely raw, but has a ton of upside. Only going to get better, provided his attitude aligns with Jameis’ “want to” attitude bringing this organization back to championship football mentality.If Evans gets on board..and the rest follow suit in that intensity…look-out…the Buccs could be a dangerous team next year and for years to come.
March 3rd, 2016 at 3:59 pm
the new coaching should help boost his ceiling as well…and it appears the Buccs may open things up more (run less) under Koetter and with Jameis’ garnering more experience and being able to make all the throws which will only help Evans.
March 3rd, 2016 at 4:40 pm
Good post up and down. Good job my dudes.
March 3rd, 2016 at 4:49 pm
I always forget how young this kid is. If he really puts in the time he can dominate this league for the next decade.
March 3rd, 2016 at 4:53 pm
Evans is an absolute beast and at 22 has very little real WR experience…..He will attract most of the attention and should allow our other WRs, TEs & Sims open for many receptions next year.
I think the addition of Monken will really help our offense improve. Our Oline is solid and I expect Jameis’ accuracy to improve also.
Add a WR and things will be looking good on the offensive side of the ball.
On D….we need to do whatever it takes to come up with 3 starters from the draft and 1 or 2 from FA.
March 3rd, 2016 at 5:18 pm
lol….getting married is a life issue for any man….especially an athlete!!!….GO BUCS!!!!
March 3rd, 2016 at 6:16 pm
Yep just 22,they puppies right now. Scary to think how dominant these cats will be once they reach full maturity in the league. We’re anxious because we can see it coming. Patience is required tho. And someone mentioned in another article they’re tired of being patient. Bro trust me it’ll be like reaching home-base with that beautiful women you had been pursuing for years. When these boys take off the wait will have been worth it.
March 3rd, 2016 at 6:39 pm
So glad that I don’t have to defend ME13 tonight. You guys that are posting tonight have enough perspective to realize not only his youth but his inexperience in the game of Football. I have played 3 more years of organized Football than Mike. I was living in Galveston and let me tell you. The kid was a star in BBall. It was kinda shocking to see him go to Football in his Sr. year. Kid is gonna be Just Fine.
March 3rd, 2016 at 6:42 pm
Preach on Nole my brudda.
March 3rd, 2016 at 7:21 pm
People here forget Evans is only 22. Most players come out of college older, and he is approaching his third year.
Give him some slack, people.
March 3rd, 2016 at 7:57 pm
You know I plan to SB. Appreciate the love big homie.
March 3rd, 2016 at 8:05 pm
The good news is that he is taking nothing for granted. He will be highly motivated. He’ll work on the mental issues of catching the ball.
I’d have our DB’s interfere with ME on every play in practice. Let him get used to it so when he’s on the field in the games it will not be a big deal.
He and #3 should have plenty of time to work together as well.
March 3rd, 2016 at 9:40 pm
C’MON Lightning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 3rd, 2016 at 9:40 pm
Blah blah blah… You guys and your might be, could be, may be posts!!! We all know that. Make a statement!
Some have and I like that.
March 3rd, 2016 at 10:29 pm
Lightning Win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 4th, 2016 at 3:20 am
Wonder if Licht will look in Marques Colston, a reliable possession receiver who can also play the slot. Also think we should sign Brandon Lafel for cheap as a big body depth piece.
March 4th, 2016 at 8:18 am
LaFell was here a couple seasons ago and we released during preseason only to watch him sign with the Pats and have a good season. While I wouldn’t mind having him back, I wanna see the BUCS bring in a speedy slot guy. We have enough big bodied possesion guys already. I really wish we would pursue Benjamin, but that would make too much sense I guess, tight wadded Licht won’t be spending much $ on FA’s Unfortunately. What’s the sense of having all that money if your not gonna spend it to improve your team that needs upgrades all over the place. Doesn’t make much sense to me.
March 4th, 2016 at 3:15 pm
Our new WR Coach is going to make the difference this year! I look for him to teach all our receivers how to run disciplined routes, how to manage the mental aspect of the game, and how to hold on to the ball and avoid turnovers. If Mike will listen he is going to be outstanding this year!