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Bucs DC Smith: Justin Evans a ‘hybrid safety’

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Mike Smith said rookie S Justin Evans is what he calls a ‘hybrid’ safety, one who can play free and strong (safety).”(Evans) is very athletic, and he’s got very good range and can get down in the box.”

  • Evans was deployed all over the field for Texas A&M in 2016 but spent most of his time at free safety.
  • In 2016, Evans’ eight passes defended ranked second among FBS safeties.
  • Evans’ 90.2 coverage grade ranked third of all FBS safeties in 2016.
  • His most difficult transition to playing strong safety in the NFL will be his tackling.