There’s an elite-athletic wide receiver down in Tampa who is ready to take the next step and fill the outside role across from Mike Evans — and it’s not DeSean Jackson. It’s former Penn State and second-year wide receiver, Chris Godwin. “Last year I was a little bit under the radar, and I’m fine with that,” Godwin said. “It allowed me to prepare as if I’m a starter, so you saw when I got my opportunities, I was able to take advantage.” And thus far this preseason, he has more than taken advantage, posting a 14-155-2 statline.
With DeSean Jackson moving to the slot and Godwin taking advantage of every chance he’s been given, he will be the starter across from Mike Evans. During the Bucs dress rehearsal, the starters were given 35 snaps against the Lions. Godwin had one less snap (24) than the leader (Adam Humphries) and six more than Jackson. He finished with 27 yards on three receptions from Jameis Winston, highlighted by an incredible, Randy Moss-like catch over shut-down corner Darius Slay. This contested catch was no fluke though, as wide receiver expert Matt Harmon charted a 85.7 percent contested catch rate for Godwin in college, which was the second-best percentage over the last three seasons.
This should not be a surprise to anyone though, as Godwin was prolific at Penn State, totaling 2,421 yards and 18 touchdowns on 154 receptions. Not only did Godwin rip up the Big Ten, but he also dominated the NFL Combine. According to DraftKings, the elite NFL wide receivers stack up like this: they’re at least 6-foot-0, at least 205 pounds, sub-4.50 speed, at least 35-inch vertical and at least 120-inch broad jump. The only player who checked off each box in the 2017 rookie WR class? Chris Godwin.
The Bucs WR is currently tending upward as our WR54. Add him to your Penny Stock list.
