Early under-the-radar standouts of the current NFL season

#10 Justin Evans

When Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith first got his hands on the then-rookie out of Texas A&M, he described Evans as a hybrid safety and that’s kind of how they have used him ever since. Evans has played single-high safety, half-field on cover-two shells, dropped down into the flats and occasionally even lined up in the box.

We have all seen his fumble return touchdown versus the Saints in week one and that sweet interception he just got on Ben Roethlisberger on Monday Night, but him being around the football is a constant theme. He also had two fine pass-breakup against the reigning Super Bowl champs, a game in which he really shined in coverage.

What I appreciate about the young safety is that he stays balances to not give quarterbacks any easy reads by turning his hips or whatever, but then he trusts what his eyes tell him and attacks it. While the Bucs used to play a ton of soft zone coverages in recent years, Evans versatility and range have allowed them to be more aggressive and man people up. Plus, they can trust that the second-year will arrive at the ball eventually.

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Other honorable mentions

Joe Flacco

Ryan Tannehill

Chris Carson

Tyler Boyd

Frank Ragnow & T.J. Lang

Taylor Moton

Mitch Morse & Mitchell Schwartz

Lawrence Guy

Matt Ionaidis

Larry Ogunjobi

Matt Milano

Jaylon Smith

Kyzir White

Fabian Moreau

Donte Jackson

Eli Apple

Jessie Bates

Bradley McDougald