The Buccaneers have signed another one of their draft picks. This time inking fourth round selection, wide receiver, Jaelon Darden per Ian Rapport and the team.
We've signed rookie WR Jaelon Darden.#GoBucshttps://t.co/SpK6fLFPOZ
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) May 19, 2021
The Buccaneers traded up in the fourth round to get Darden, giving the Seattle Seahawks a sixth round pick to move up the eight spots to secure him.
In His final season at North Texas Darden exploded on the scene and put up staggering numbers. Finishing fourth in the nation in receptions(74), third in yards(1,190) and second and touchdowns(19). He also finished third in yards after catch on his way to a Conference USA MVP award. Since 2019 Darden led all wide receivers in the country in receptions (131) and touchdowns (26) out of the slot. Darden finished his career at North Texas with 230 receptions, 2,782 receiving yards and 38 touchdowns in 47 games.
Darden will wear #1 with the Buccaneers in memory of his father saying. “My dad seen me play in one so that means more than anything to be honest.”
Nothing But God🙏🏾💯 Pops This 4 You B4P 💛❤️ https://t.co/RottdQl4GF
— Jaelon Darden (@JDFlash1x) May 19, 2021
Darden impressed during rookie minicamp at wide receiver. Showing explosiveness, quickness off the snap and elusiveness with the ball in his hands. He also saw work returning punts and kickoffs, where he figures to heavily contribute as the lead candidate to take over those duties.When asked about what he’s saw from him during mini camp Bruce Arians went on to say.
“He’s super quick and fast. He’s a little thicker than I thought he was going to be when I watched him. He catches punts very easily and catches the football extremely easily. He can be very explosive.”
When asked about his size and smaller guys he said.
“Well, I think of Scotty [Miller] and he wasn’t quite as thick. He is now, but he got bounced around by bigger stronger corners. I don’t see Jaelon quite that difficulty – just the body type is different.”
Darden is the fourth draft pick to sign his rookie four year deal. Fifth round selection linebacker K.J. Britt and seventh rounders cornerback Chris Wilcox and linebacker Grant Stuard signed their deals last week. First round outside linebacker Joe Tryon, second round pick, quarterback Kyle Trask and third round offensive lineman Robert Hainsey remain unsigned.
