Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans is a sure-fire Hall of Famer.  To think otherwise is to simply deny reality.

However, he could be creeping up to first-ballot lock with the things he’s doing over the later years of his career (many would argue he already is).

Evans has been well known for his streak of 1000 yard receiving seasons – 10 straight to start his career.  However, Evans reached another streak during the Bucs’ 48-14 win over Carolina last Sunday that puts him in rarefied air amongst wide receivers in NFL history.

By himself, actually.  According to the Bucs, Evans is the only wide receiver in NFL history with 11 straight seasons of 65+ catches.

Evans’ calling card for the Hall has been an uncanny level of consistency over an extended period of time.  Last season he extended his record for most 1000-yard receiving seasons to start a career to 10.  This year, if he can get another 85 yards against New Orleans on Sunday – something Liam Coen and Baker Mayfield are sure to prioritize – then he would match Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1000-yard seasons ever.

With records for his position at catches and yards, Evans truly would stand alone among his positional mates in the Hall of Fame. He’s already in the top 25 in NFL history in receiving yards and top 10 in receiving touchdowns.

Buccaneer fans hope that day doesn’t come for a while yet, as Evans still has another year on his contract, and perhaps has more in the tank after that at this rate.  But Evans’ Hall of Fame wait should be short, and his candidacy should be given the very high credence it merits.