Should I Start Mike Evans?

Tuesday, June 9, 5:14 AM

Playing for his first new team since the Buccaneers selected him in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans has been impressing his new teammates, with All-Pro tight end George Kittle recently telling reporters he brings a "new dimension" to the offense, particularly in the red zone. Evans has been complimentary of both his new system and quarterback, praising head coach and playcaller Kyle Shanahan for putting him in good opportunities against one-on-one coverage and noting that fifth-year professional Brock Purdy was one of the big reasons he came to San Francisco. The 49ers have deployed 21-personnel at the league's highest rate in each of the past two seasons, and with defenses needing to account for a fullback with an extra body near the box, Evans could see one of the highest rates of man coverage in his career, and if he can translate that into double-digit touchdown receptions, a mark he's cleared in four of the last six seasons, he'll prove to be a steal at RotoBaller's WR26.