Chris Godwin was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2017. The 6’1” Wide Receiver was picked as the 84th overall selection, a third round pick spent wisely by general manager Jason Licht, as he chose the talent over the need. In his rookie year, Godwin recorded 34 receptions on 56 targets, 525 receiving yards and one very impressive Touchdown, which he scored on the very last play of the season against the New Orleans Saints.
Now, while Godwin’s rookie numbers might not seem impressive at first sight, a closer look at his situation with the Bucs last year will provide further insight. The Penn State product was put behind what seemed to be one of the best Wide Receiver duos in the NFL. Mike Evans is undoubtedly one of the best in the league. Newly acquired speedster DeSean Jackson was the clear-cut No. 2 on the depth chart.
Late in the season, however, DeSean Jackson struggled with injuries, which caused him to completely sit out the last two games of the year. Consequently, Godwin received more and more playing time and was able to put his stamp on these games. In those last two games of the 2017 season, both of which Godwin started, he recorded a combined 10 receptions on 18 targets, 209 receiving yards and one Touchdown. Not too bad, at all. Those numbers certainly reflect No. 1 Wide Receiver talent and his overall numbers would definitely be a lot more impressive if Godwin had not been put in such a tough situation with two high-caliber Wide Receivers ahead of him.
Undoubtedly, Chris Godwin showed signs of brilliance on multiple occasions last season, as he did in his three years with the Nittany Lions (154 receptions, 2421 receiving yards, 18 Touchdowns), as well. Most likely, the 22-year old would have established himself last year as a decent no. 2 Wide Receiver if he had landed with a team more needy at his position. Whether or not Godwin will be able to beat out DeSean Jackson for the number 2 spot this upcoming season remains to be seen. It would not be overly surprising, however, especially if DeSean Jackson’s struggles to find a rhythm with Winston continue.
