Ted Hurst is giving the Buccaneers plenty to be excited about during his first training camp.
Tampa Bay selected Hurst in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The rookie receiver has already shown the contested-catch ability and catch radius that have drawn comparisons to former Bucs star Mike Evans.
Hurst’s performance became even more noticeable during Tampa Bay’s two joint practices with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Baker Mayfield had a close-up view of the rookie’s progress and came away impressed.
Hurst was Tampa Bay’s biggest bright spot during Tuesday’s difficult practice. The Buccaneers scored only once, with Hurst catching the touchdown pass.
He followed that performance with another touchdown Wednesday. Hurst also repeatedly got the better of Jaguars No. 1 cornerback Travis Hunter.
Baker Mayfield Sees Hurst Putting It Together
Mayfield believes Hurst is beginning to understand exactly how the Buccaneers want to use him.
“You can see it clicking, just the motions and everything that we’re trying to get done. When he has a one on one matchup, he knows the ball is probably coming his way… He’s making a lot of plays,” Mayfield said.
That kind of confidence from the quarterback could be important for Hurst. The rookie is trying to establish himself quickly and earn a meaningful role within Tampa Bay’s offense.
His recent production suggests he’s moving in that direction.
Hurst Brings an Explosive Element
Hurst entered the NFL with an impressive reputation as a big-play receiver. Over his final two college seasons, he led the FBS with 34 receptions of at least 20 yards.
He also turned 70.9% of his receptions into either a first down or touchdown during those two seasons. Hurst finished that span with 127 catches, 1,965 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The Buccaneers are hoping that explosiveness carries over to the NFL. Tampa Bay already has Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr. and Jalen McMillan at receiver.
Hurst offers a different physical presence within that group. At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, he appears to be the best fit for the X receiver role.
That could give him an opportunity to help replace what Mike Evans left behind. There will only ever be one Evans, but Tampa Bay clearly believes Hurst has plenty of potential.
Rookie Building Chemistry With Mayfield
Hurst still has plenty of work ahead of him. He is learning Tampa Bay’s system while developing chemistry with Mayfield.
However, his recent performances have provided an encouraging early glimpse. The rookie is already making difficult catches and earning opportunities in important situations.
Reality Check
Hurst is closer to being Jaelon Darden than he is too Mike Evans, for now. So let’s pump the brakes a bit.
That said, Hurst has all the tools, and in training camp and preseason he appears to be able to play. But that’s training camp and preseason.
When toe meets leather in the opener against Cincinnati, THAT will be when we can see where he measures up to Evans.
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