Tampa Bay Buccaneers veteran receiver Chris Godwin Jr recently offered some of his strongest praise yet for rookie Ted Hurst, saying the rookie has progressed from occasionally flashing his ability to making those plays consistently. Godwin Jr gushed over Hurst when asked, saying, "I think he’s been doing a great job. He’s very receptive to coaching. He wants to be a great player. I think the sky's the limit. He has some unbelievable potential to make some really, really good plays".
The Buccaneers initially viewed the 6'4 receiver as someone who could learn behind Chris Godwin Jr, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan and Tez Johnson while developing into a larger role. Hurst's combination of size and 4.42 speed gave Tampa Bay an intriguing developmental
option at the X receiver position following Mike Evans' departure, but Hurst hasn't looked like a player who needs much time. Todd Bowles, when asked about Hurst's growth, replied, "His growth has come in understanding the offense. That allows him to play faster. He's not thinking as much, so he's not playing half-speed – he's playing full-speed. He understands where to go and where to be, and that allows him to play a lot faster."
Hurst has consistently made difficult catches throughout training camp and has developed chemistry with Baker Mayfield. Todd Bowles has already noted that Mayfield trusts the rookie to be where he is supposed to be, while Hurst's ability to stretch the field and win at the catch point has repeatedly shown up in practice. Godwin Jr has noticed the same development. If Hurst's training camp carries into the regular season, Licht and the Buccaneers may have found another young receiver capable of becoming an important part of their offense.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Chris Godwin Jr gives high praise for Ted Hurst
