The 5 Least Efficient Red-Zone Pass-Catchers in 2017

Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Target NEP per target: -0.22

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had the third-highest pass-to-run ratio (1.65) in 2017, and for the most part, were quite efficient whenever they took to the air -- their 0.13 Adjusted Passing NEP per play was 10th-best. They didn’t owe much of this efficiency to the play of wide receiver Mike Evans, though.

Of the 27 wide receivers who saw at least 100 targets last year, Evans' 0.22 Target NEP per target was just 19th-best, and he was actually much worse inside the red zone. Despite seeing a career-high in targets (19), his 5 receptions for 46 yards and 3 touchdowns in this area of the field were all the second-lowest marks of his career.

Evans' Reception Success Rate – the percentage of plays that positively impact a players NEP – was just 80%, which was enough for a 15th-place tie with Demaryius Thomas and the next player on this list.

Despite this inefficiency, the Buccaneers have seen enough from Evans to make him the second-highest paid wide receiver in football, behind Antonio Brown. Here's hoping he'll start rewarding their faith in 2018.