TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the post–Mike Evans era with a mix of returning receivers and a third‑round rookie expected to add size on the outside. Evans, a five‑time Pro Bowl selection, accounted for nearly 29% of the Bucs’ offensive scoring through the air since 2014, and new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson acknowledged the challenge: “You’re never going to replace a Mike Evans.”
Robinson intends to use his top three returning receivers interchangeably rather than simply slide another player into Evans’ traditional “X” role. Emeka Egbuka, the Bucs’ 2025 first‑round pick, filled Evans’ spot last season when Evans missed nine games and will be used more as a “Z” — lining up off the line — in Robinson’s system, the coordinator said. Jalen McMillan has typically lined up as a “Z” as well and, after missing the first 14 games last season, remains better suited for releases off the line and work in motion.
Chris Godwin, who played opposite Evans earlier in his career, has produced his best work as a slot receiver. Godwin led the league with 50 catches in Weeks 1‑7 prior to suffering a dislocated ankle in 2024 and figures to continue in that role. Tez Johnson, a seventh‑round pick in 2025, finished his rookie season with five touchdowns but at 5‑foot‑10 and 165 pounds is not viewed as a true boundary “X” target.
That is where third‑round pick Ted Hurst could factor in. Hurst measured 6‑4 and 206 pounds at the combine and posted a 4.42‑second 40‑yard dash, an 11‑3 broad jump — the top mark among receivers — and a 36.5‑inch vertical. Robinson said there is “a lot to be excited about” with Hurst and called him “a true kind of ‘X’ receiver,” while adding the rookie still has “a long way to go.” Robinson also praised Hurst’s ability to absorb information during rookie minicamp.
Hurst compiled 127 catches for 1,965 yards and 15 touchdowns in two seasons at Georgia State after two earlier years at Valdosta State, averaging 15.5 yards per catch. He drew attention during Senior Bowl practice with a viral one‑handed catch against Arkansas cornerback Julian Neal. Bucs wide receivers coach Bryan McLendon highlighted Hurst’s combination of size, speed and quickness and said the staff was pleased he was available at No. 84 after addressing edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and inside linebacker Josiah Trotter in the first two rounds.
