During the joint training camp practices with the Jaguars, the Bucs sometimes seemed flat, but the connection between Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Mike Evans was unstoppable. It’s no surprise that Evans is expected to have a great year, especially with a second season of partnership between him and Mayfield, which could lead to even bigger achievements.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and WR Mike Evans – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Throughout the week, it seemed like Mayfield and Evans were in perfect sync on the field, almost like playing catch with each other against the Jaguars.
Mayfield targeted Evans numerous times in the end zone during goal-line drills, regardless of the coverage or how many defenders were on Evans. If all else failed, Mayfield always looked for Evans.
In Thursday’s practice, there weren’t as many red zone opportunities, but in 11-on-11 drills at midfield, Mayfield continued to connect with Evans. Despite Mayfield looking elsewhere initially, he quickly found Evans open and ready to catch the ball.
Baker Mayfield And Mike Evans Are In A “Very Good Spot”
It seems like Mayfield and Evans have developed a telepathic connection after spending a season and a training camp together. Mayfield always knows where Evans is on the field, and Evans anticipates when to expect the ball. Trying to defend him one-on-one would be challenging, especially with offensive coordinator Liam Coen devising new strategies to get Evans more involved. And let’s not forget that Evans tied for the NFL lead with 13 touchdowns last season.
Bucs WR Mike Evans and QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
After completing practice with the Jaguars on Thursday, Mayfield discussed their chemistry and success together this summer.
“For Mike and I, it’s the constant communication,” Mayfield said. “Obviously, he’s going to win on a lot of his routes – that just is who he is. For me, understanding and talking to him about how he’s thinking he’s going to win on different leverages. Obviously, with time and experience and more reps, that continues to grow, but I just think we’re in a very good spot, the two of us right now. It’s the same with Chris [Godwin] as well.
“Chris is feeling better and better about where he’s at physically…Chris is an unbelievable communicator and a pro’s pro. Those two guys, [I’m] constantly talking to them about, ‘Hey, if we get this look, what are you going to do? How are you going to run it?’ Just making sure we’re on the same page. I feel really good about where we’re at.”
Baker Mayfield Impressed By UDFA
While Evans and Godwin have stood out, rookie undrafted free agent Kameron Johnson from Barton has also caught Mayfield’s attention with his impressive plays in practice. Johnson’s speed and footwork have been remarkable, and the Bucs will have a tough decision to make regarding his spot on the 53-man roster.
Bucs WR Kameron Johnson – Photo by: Jeffrey Jones/PR
After a rib injury that kept Johnson out for over a week, he returned wearing a non-contact jersey and impressed during practice against the Jaguars. Johnson made an athletic touchdown reception and continued to showcase his skills.
Mayfield admitted he wasn’t familiar with Johnson or Barton College before training camp, but Johnson has quickly made a name for himself.
“Kam Johnson is a stud,” Mayfield said. “I didn’t even know where Barton College was until like a few weeks ago. Whatever they fed him, it worked. He’s a polished receiver. He doesn’t say much, he locks in, and just does everything the right way. For us, it’s a kid that listens. [When] you bring in the physical aspect of it, he’s extremely smooth in his routes, he’s explosive – I think he can do a lot of things for us. He’s another good guy in our room that’s going to push everybody else to continue to raise that standard in the [wide] receiver room.”
