Mike Evans dissatisfied with career year, wants to be NFL's best WR

Mike Evans has established career highs in receptions and receiving yards this season. He's one touchdown from matching his personal-best total and he was named to his first Pro Bowl this season. Nonetheless, Pro Football Focus' No. 1-graded wide receiver remains unimpressed.

"I thought I had an alright year," the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' star said to Jenna Laine of ESPN. "Everyone keeps telling me I had a lot of success. I thought I played OK."

Evans is fifth in the league in receiving yards with 1,256 and third in touchdowns with 11. He has one more game to add to those totals Sunday when the Bucs hope to keep their faint playoff hopes alive against the Carolina Panthers. Regardless, Evans maintains he could have done more this season.

"I thought I played alright because people don't see the film that we see," he said. "I thought I had an OK year. I thought I was maybe a top-five wideout. But I wanted to be number one and maybe if I was number one, I could've helped us get to the playoffs."

Evans has thrived despite being the focal point of the Buccaneers' offense, and of opposing defenses. He's quarterback Jameis Winston's top target and he's continued to produce despite a lack of support. No. 2 receiver Vincent Jackson has been sidelined since Week 5 and no receiver has been able to fill that void. Cameron Brate has been a pleasant surprise at tight end, but he was placed on IR this week with a back injury. The Bucs also rank in the bottom third in rushing.

But Evans won't point the finger elsewhere. He expects more of himself.

"I caught the ball well, ran good routes. I have to be more explosive, get more yards after the catch," he said.