Drafting Buccaneers: Chris Godwin (WR) Scouting Report
Joe Jurevicius had some memorable moments while he was a member of the Buccaneers. Could the team be targeting another Nittany Lion to bring in this draft season?
When the Buccaneers entered the off-season it was clear the team needed to take steps to help their young quarterback find more consistent success.
Another target added to the arsenal would go a long way amongst other things, and while speed certainly looks to be a big item on the wish list, the ability to go fast alone will not bring results.
Receivers like Chris Godwin often times get overlooked. They’re team players. Guys who run the crossing routes no player likes to run and will throw a lead block to try and free up a teammate on his way to the endzone.
His misfortune of being underrated could become the fortune of teams like the Bucs however, as they find they’ve found the ultimate ball player in the middle to late rounds.
These players – much like Kwon Alexander – turn potential seen on film and combine it with effort and the opportunities presented at the NFL level to turn themselves into stars. Could Godwin be the next one to do it?
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WHO: Chris Godwin
POSITION: WR
SCHOOL: Penn State University
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6’1” 205 lbs.
CLASS: Junior
2016 STATS:
– 59 Receptions / 982 Yards / 16.6 ypc / 11 Touchdowns
GAMES WATCHED:
– Penn State @ Michigan (1 Reception / 8 Yards / 8.0 ypc / 1 Touchdown)
– Penn State vs Ohio State (2 Receptions / 39 Yards / 19.5 ypc / 1 Touchdown)
– Penn State vs Michigan State (5 Receptions / 135 Yards / 27.0 ypc / 2 Touchdowns)
– *Penn State vs USC (9 Receptions / 187 Yards / 20.8 ypc / 2 Touchdowns)
*Conference Championship or Bowl Game
Strengths:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
– Hand Strength
– Wins 50/50 Balls
– Body Control
Weaknesses:
– Average Speed
– Average Height
– Will Drop the Occasional Pass
Scheme Fit:
Best suited as an outside option on a team already equipped with a primary receiver and effective slot receiver. Ran every route in the book at Penn State and should get cleaner releases with coaching and experience. Best suited in a passing attack which knows how to exploit the intermediate passing area and can make a few guys miss if he gets the ball in space.
Injury History:
– No Significant Injuries
Off-Field Incidents:
– No Significant Off-Field Incidents
Must Read: Donta Foreman Draft Profile
Career Projection:
1st Year:
Fourth receiver on the depth chart with the potential to move into the second outside position if injury or circumstances dictate it. Could find his way onto the special teams as a rookie where he has some experience and has been solid in pursuit and tackling in the past.
3rd Year:
Better than half of the NFL’s true number-two receiving options along the outside. Finds most of his success exploiting soft zone coverages or retreating defenders in man who give too much cushion allowing for him to use the middle part of the field. Utilized as a screen receiver at times who doesn’t shy away from contact and has good field vision to navigate blocks down field. Starter quality with Pro Bowl potential.
Summary:
A two-year starter at Happy Valley, Chris Godwin came on strong in the later half of the year as freshman quarterback Trace McSorley got more comfortable and Penn State was able to throw the ball with better efficiency.
Showed just how impactful he can be in the Rose Bowl against USC matching up directly against NFL prospect Adoree Jackson on his first touchdown catch of the game.
Has become the King of 50/50 balls and uses his physical ability and aggressive nature to box out defenders as he high-points passes in the air and more often than not comes down with possession.
Quarterbacks and offensive coordinators will love his willingness to run every route on the tree, and teammates will appreciate his ability to block downfield – even if he doesn’t always win the match-up.
Reminds me a lot of Michael Thomas from Ohio State in 2016 who was drafted in the second round and turned in a first round caliber performance in his rookie year as he became quarterback Drew Brees’ favorite target early and remained as such throughout the season.
Not playing in a true passing offense dipped Godwin’s production in his junior season, but when his quarterback needed a play through the air he was one of two targets the freshman would look to the most.
For the Buccaneers, he would be a good compliment to the longer and more finessed Mike Evans on one side while he brings a physical attitude focused on beating his defender rather than winning against him.
To begin the season he’d likely be used in four receiver formations where he can find space with the defense spread out, but could eventually grow to be a solid outside option later in the year.