This past offseason was a tumultuous one for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. An offseason that saw three fan favorites leave via free agency, the hiring of a new coach and staff and of course new expectations. One of those expectations was Chris Godwin (WR) would have a breakout season. Buccaneers’ head coach Bruce Arians even went so far as to say Godwin could be a 100 reception guy. No pressure at all.
The Stat-Line
Let’s take a quick look at where Godwin is state-wide after 11 weeks.
Games: 10
Receptions: 63
Yards: 887
Average: 14.1
TDs: 7
Those are impressive numbers through 10 games, especially on a team that also features Mike Evans (WR) and a quarterback that according to most talking heads isn’t good. The third-year wide receiver out of Penn State isn’t only receiving attention from defensive backs around the league, he is also opening the eyes of some national outlets.
National Recognition
ESPN has named Godwin to its Top-25 players under 25 for 2019. Wait, a Buccaneer getting national attention? Stop the presses!!!
ESPN’s Mike Clay elaborated on how Godwin made this list:
“Godwin was a relatively unheralded third-round pick in 2017, but he has emerged as a force. The restraints are off in 2019. New coach Bruce Arians converted Godwin to a slot receiver and has had him on the field for 96% of the team’s offensive snaps. The Penn State product has run a league-high 368 pass routes and has already put up a 60/840/6 receiving line, ranking no lower than sixth among receivers in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns… He and superstar Mike Evans certainly combine to form arguably the league’s best duo at the position.”
It’s not often a Buccaneer gets national attention, understandably so. Godwin has lived up to and surpassed most expectations since being drafted. He continues to show his value not only in catching passes but doing the little things like blocking and running proper routes. Look for Godwin to surpass the 100-catch gauntlet that Arians threw down and end up leading the team in most receiving categories.