Tampa head coach Todd Bowles believes rookie wide receiver Ted Hurst is on the cusp of a breakout game. Will it be this week against the Minnesota Vikings?
Through two games, Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Ted Hurst has had a relatively modest start to his NFL career.
Hurst has a total of five catches for 63 yards so far and has flown under the radar, especially compared to some of Tampa's other rookies.
First-round pick Rueben Bain Jr. has been completely invisible through Tampa's two games. He has only a single tackle to show for his efforts and has come nowhere close to meeting the ridiculously high expectations his dominant offseason earned.
Meanwhile, things have been just the opposite for second-round linebacker Josiah Trotter. He has been the best player on Tampa's defense through two games and is currently tied for third in the league in tackles. Trotter had a historic debut, becoming the first player in NFL history to record both a pick-six and a sack in his first game.
Both Bain and Trotter have been ruled out of the Bucs' Week 3 clash against the Minnesota Vikings due to injury. With the two rookies who have been hogging the headlines not playing, more eyes may be focused on Hurst this Sunday.
Though Hurst's first two NFL games haven't earned much fanfare, the fact that he is contributing at all is a testament to his talent and bright future.
When Tampa drafted Hurst in the third round, it was believed he was a pick for the future, not the present. With WRs Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr., and Jalen McMillan ahead of him on the depth chart, plus Tez Johnson, Hurst was expected to spend his rookie year watching and learning, not contributing in any major way.
Tampa general manager Jason Licht admitted he underestimated Hurst, whose impressive training camp both earned the rookie comparisons to Mike Evans and proved he was ready to be an immediate contributor.
Though Hurst's first two games have been very average, head coach Todd Bowles likes what he has seen. In a recent interview, Bowles said he believes it is only "a matter of time" until Hurst has a breakout performance.
Believes Hurst Will Be "Heck Of A Player"
Bowles spoke glowingly of Hurst, saying he believes the rookie will become "a heck of a player" for the Bucs. He points to Hurst's route-running, explosiveness, and enormous catch radius as reasons to believe a breakout game will happen sooner rather than later.
“I think it's getting to be pretty good. Ted's gonna be a heck of a player for us. It's only a matter of time before he breaks out. His route running has been crisp. He's been explosive off the ball. He blocks well. He has an outstanding catch radius. It's just a matter of time before he catches fire.”
The Bucs could certainly use a breakout game from Hurst this week. Starting 0-3, even in a weak division, will be an incredibly difficult hole to dig out of. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has struggled thus far and could use all the help he can get from his rookie WR.
Final Thoughts
Hurst brings an excellent combination of size and speed to Tampa's offense. With McMillan's health being a problem at the start of the season, the rookie has earned more opportunities than expected so far.
If that continues this week, Hurst will get another chance to make good on his coach's prediction. He has the talent needed to be a big factor on Sunday.
The Bucs' chances of winning against the Vikings will get a big boost if this is the week Hurst has a breakout game.
