Simms: Mike Evans Is Super Elite; Chris Godwin Should Probably Pay Him
August 10th, 2020
How good is Mike Evans?
How good is Chris Godwin?
Former Bucs QB Chris Simms served up very strong opinions.
Simms took to his NBC Sports platform recently to rank the top-10 receivers in the NFL, devoting well over one hour to explaining his picks.
Godwin, per Simms, isn’t a top-10 guy and really isn’t in the conversation.
Receivers outside Simms’ top 10 are close to that elite group, but Simms didn’t have Godwin at the top of that second tier. Instead he named breakout Panthers receiver D.J. Moore and four-time Pro Bowler T.Y. Hilton, along with Davante Adams, DeVante Parker and Adam Thielen. And Simms placed 2019 Seattle rookie D.K. Metcalf, in that second tier, as well, calling him the next Mike Evans.
Simply stated, Simms is convinced that Evans is so damn good that he’s made life easy for Godwin, who operates primarily in the slot.
“Chris Godwin can probably give him part of his paycheck,” Simms said.
Evans was awarded the No. 4 NFL receiver ranking from Simms, and Simms believes the added Bucs television exposure this season will have most of the country asking, “Man, is Mike Evans the greatest receiver in football?”
“He is an absolute defensive game plan changer,” Simms said of Evans, explaining that Evans has rarely had the benefit of running easy-catch routes because he’s so disruptive and effective playing on the outside.
Tom Brady will soon realize Evans is a Rob Gronkowski type at wide receiver, said Simms, who is a former Patriots assistant coach, and “I think [Brady’s] going to have a love affair with Mike Evans.”
Joe thinks Simms was a bit harsh on Godwin, but the cold reality is that Godwin never has had to prove himself consistently as a No. 1 receiver who draws the best cornerbacks and must play outside.
Until Godwin does, it’ll be hard for him to get the kind of consistent love from analysts that he likely deserves.
August 10th, 2020 at 1:31 am
I do like Simms analysis in general. He puts in the time and has good reasons for his rankings.
I have t seen this one, but I’m sure it’s thorough. Doesn’t mean I’ll agree about Godwin.
It’s true, he hasn’t had a chance to truly lead our receiving core without ME. Let’s hope we do t see that this year either.
I’ll take what we’ve seen when everyone is healthy!
In BA I Trust!
August 10th, 2020 at 2:48 am
Look at what happened to JUJU without AB
August 10th, 2020 at 2:59 am
Juju also didnt have ben…
August 10th, 2020 at 3:49 am
I think Simms tries for clickbait.
August 10th, 2020 at 5:11 am
simms downplayed godwin a bit here…
he prolly just needs to see another dose of godwin to give him the benefit of the doubt…
godwin is a badd fuggin’ man…
then again so is mike…
now is scotty, watson, or tyler develops into a nice 3rd receiver…watch out!
ps don’t be surprised if brady locks in with an unexpected dude as a fave type target, and it’s to the moon…
like what if scotty has 51 catches for 880 yards this year – imagine something crazy like that
August 10th, 2020 at 5:14 am
typo:
now if scotty, watson, or tyler…
August 10th, 2020 at 5:32 am
There is no fact in Simms opinion…
CG is a Top 10 WR Right Now!!
August 10th, 2020 at 5:43 am
i remember ME 13 stating that CG could be a number 1 on any team, when asked about his team mate
August 10th, 2020 at 5:53 am
Bottom line, no matter what anyone THINKS, we have one of the most dangerous WR duos in the NFL.
I firmly believe that Godwin is a #1 WR on any team. Best of all, he’s on OUR team!
August 10th, 2020 at 6:48 am
simms is just mad that godwin has a new hot shot hairdo to go with his hot shot stats…
#GodwinHasBetterHairThanSimms
August 10th, 2020 at 7:54 am
Goodwin was the primary WR in game 15, Evans was out with a hammy. Goodwin had 120 yards receiving before he came up lame at the end of the game
August 10th, 2020 at 8:08 am
ME is our #1, but I think CG is closing the gap. He cathes everything that is thrown his way. I think Simms is being a bit harsh on CG.
August 10th, 2020 at 8:16 am
I like Chris Simms takes but this one is not very accurate. How did CG14 do when ME13 was nursing his hammy? Seems like Godwin did not have a drop off. Plus even his name begins with God and ends in a Win.
Go Bucs!
August 10th, 2020 at 8:41 am
I’m a big Chris Simms fan. I love watching him and his takes but he’s wrong here.
August 10th, 2020 at 8:57 am
Never liked Simms much…too much like his dad, whom I was never a fan of. uss. Just saying. Definitely don’t agree with his take here. I think Godwin is a Top 10. I think he can be any team’s #1 as well. Just hope he stays here. But I predict either this year or next year, Evans asks for, and gets a trade.
August 10th, 2020 at 9:01 am
The Godwin assessment is fair since since he’s only had one good year. I’m tired of hearing myself b!tch about Mike being woefully underrated and that he is easily the best wideout in the NFL, so none of that today. He’ll prove it again by putting up silly good numbers this year.
Simms is entertaining, knowledgeable, and fun to watch, but his receiver rankings are hot garbage and even worse than Ira’s (love ya man, but ya got that list waaaay wrong). Having Tyreek Hill at number one (?!?) and Courtland Sutton at number 10 is beyond the pale of bad wide receiver rankings.
August 10th, 2020 at 9:27 am
Godwin is way better than Mr Batted Pass Specialist chrissy Simms thinks.
August 10th, 2020 at 10:03 am
gotta keep these 2 WRs together….
GO BUCS!!!!!
August 10th, 2020 at 10:42 am
Godwin is very good, the same thing I said about Evans after a couple of years.
Is he elite? I hope so, but not sure yet. The jury is still out.
Fact is anyone who plays opposite of a truly great receiver will benefit greatly by more man coverage, as defenses roll to the great receiver.
BUT
If Godwin shows he is truly elite, it will also benefit Evans, as less coverage goes that direction.
The Bucs find themselves in a really fine position across the entire WR/TE corp. There is no question this is THE most complete receiver corp the Bucs have ever had, and rivals or equals any in the history of the league.
August 10th, 2020 at 11:08 am
Godwin was $ for me last yr in FF.
This yr I am staying away from him And Mike. Brady simply has too many weapons.
The only Bucs I am drafting are Brady and the Defense
August 10th, 2020 at 11:10 am
One year really cant make anyone elite however I think this year wlll make Chris Simms seem way overrated as an NFL analyst.
August 10th, 2020 at 11:23 am
While Mike Evans has height and is physically dominating, Godwin is quicker and has top end speed. They complete each other.
I do agree, Godwin has only 1 good year to prove he is worthy of being an elite WR. Let’s see what he does this year.
August 10th, 2020 at 11:28 am
I would just like to say I love having the debate as to just how many top 10 receiving options we have for TB12. Sure beats the argument if we are the worst pass defense in history or not like a few years ago. People love to trash Licht for his gm skills and sure he had some serious busts (as per the odds for all gm) and that flares after Stewart gets cut. But the reality is- we got TB12 because he saw the weapons here. We got those weapons because of our gm- so if he got us the personnel to draw Brady away from New England, that’s a helluva job. Go Bucs!
August 10th, 2020 at 11:54 am
Godwin has amazing hands. Always think him coming back in the end zone for the one handed grab in the dirt. He has great strength against DBs for YAC and downfield blocking.
August 10th, 2020 at 1:00 pm
I’m okay, right now, with the ranking. But, not even close to Elite? Check yo’ sheets, Chris!
August 10th, 2020 at 1:02 pm
Mike Evans is a beast!
August 10th, 2020 at 2:00 pm
Mike Evans and Gronk ability to get up top in the end zone? Uh oh opposing defenses.