With their fifth round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected wide receiver Tyler Johnson out of the University of Minnesota.
Not An Ideal Situation
As far as making an immediate impact, Johnson was not exactly drafted into an ideal situation. With Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, the Buccaneers had one of the best wide receiver tandems in the entire NFL. Consequently, getting a lot of playing time seemed unlikely for the rookie at first.
However, when it comes to staying healthy, Tampa Bay has struggled mightily at the position. Mike Evans and Scotty Miller have both had to deal with injuries all season. Chris Godwin has already missed three games.
An Opportunity Seized
Consequently, Tyler Johnson was given a chance to prove himself on the field earlier than anticipated. With Scotty Miller connecting terrifically with Tom Brady and seemingly becoming the clear-cut number three receiver early on, he did not do much at all in week five or six. Miller only had a single catch for six yards on only two targets in both games combined.
Johnson > Miller?
Johnson, on the other hand, did not exactly have mind-blowing games either. Yet, he has contributed considerably better than Miller lately, hauling in five passes for 68 yards and a touchdown in the last two games. Furthermore, he seems to be getting more snaps and more playing time than Miller.
To put it in a nutshell, as of now, Tyler Johnson is taking the job as the number three wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has been making great strides, especially when given more targets with Godwin out against the Bears.
Hopefully, the former Golden Gopher can take advantage of the increased playing time and establish himself as an additional weapon for Brady behind Evans and Godwin.
