Counting Down the Top 25 Players in the NFC South: No. 18, Jahri Evans

Welcome back to “Counting Down the Top 25 Players in the NFC South.” To see the entire list as it unfolds, scroll down to the bottom of this page. To see the rules and ranking criteria, click here.

Jahri Evans started 16 games at right guard last year and is the most important player on offense for the New Orleans Saints that never touches the ball.

The six-year lineman from Bloomsburg University has started all 96 games of his professional career and was named to the Pro Bowl in each of the last three seasons. He's also been named an All-Pro for the last three years, as well.

When discussing the top interior offensive linemen in the NFL today, Evans' name is high on the list. He's got a workman-like mentality and handles workload with blue-collar tenacity and athleticism.

Evans had offseason knee surgery but looked to be back at full speed, according to Larry Holder on CBS Sports, as the team eased Evans back into the mix during organized team activities.

Interim head coach Joe Vitt raved about Evans to the Times-Picayune, saying the lineman's strength and balance were spot on and the time between offseason workouts and training camp would complete the finishing touches on Evans' rehabilitation.

Evans has been playing at top-notch levels for three years and has never missed time. The Saints can count on both to remain the truth in 2012.

The 2012 Bleacher Report Top 25 Players in the NFC South List

18. Jahri Evans, OG, New Orleans Saints

19. Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Atlanta Falcons

20. Jon Beason, LB, Carolina Panthers

21. John Abraham, DE, Atlanta Falcons

22. Charles Johnson, DE, Carolina Panthers

23. Adrian Clayborn, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

24. Curtis Lofton, LB, New Orleans Saints

25. Josh Freeman, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Top 25 List (by team)

Atlanta Falcons:  2

Carolina Panthers: 2

New Orleans Saints: 2

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 2 

Top 25 List (by position)

QB: 1

LB: 3

DE: 3

OG: 1