Buccaneers Believe Ted Hurst Can Make an Early Impact

Replacing a player like Mike Evans is not a one-man job. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers understand it will take a collective effort to replace the production of the franchise’s all-time leading receiver.

Third-round rookie Ted Hurst could become an important part of that plan.

Hurst projects as a traditional “X” receiver, the same position Evans dominated for more than a decade. After producing two outstanding seasons at Georgia State, the rookie has already caught the attention of his new quarterback.

Baker Mayfield Sees Big Potential

Quarterback Baker Mayfield believes Hurst has the physical traits to become a valuable weapon in Tampa Bay’s offense. While the rookie is still learning the playbook, Mayfield likes what he has seen during the early stages of training camp.

“I really like Ted’s game,” said Mayfield. “He’s a bigger-bodied receiver. Exceptional hands. I think his body control, he can really cover a lot of ground. For a big guy, he can cover a lot of ground. He should be a weapon for us, he should be able to help us out. For him, it’s the normal rookie stuff, learning the offense, formations, to where it’s not having to think the whole time. It’s more second nature. That goes with it the whole time. He’ll get better each day and continue to grasp it and help us out.”

Mayfield’s comments highlight both Hurst’s upside and the patience required with any first-year receiver adjusting to the NFL.

Todd Bowles Expects Hurst to Contribute

Head coach Todd Bowles shares Mayfield’s optimism.

Bowles acknowledged Hurst remains early in his development. Still, he praised the rookie’s intelligence and believes that trait will help him earn a role sooner rather than later.

“That’s a work in progress right now,” said Bowles of the rookie pass-catcher. “He’s a very bright guy, but every rookie’s got some learning to do, and that will progress through the preseason and probably through the regular season as well, but I do see him helping us right away.”

The Buccaneers are not expecting Hurst to replace Mike Evans by himself. However, they do believe he can help fill the void.

If Hurst continues progressing throughout training camp and the preseason, he could become an immediate contributor in Tampa Bay’s reshaped receiving corps.