Buccaneers Draft 2017: Chris Godwin Instant Analysis
By Bailey Adams
In the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Buccaneers went back to the offensive side of the ball. With the 84th overall pick, Tampa Bay selected Penn State wide receiver Chris Godwin.
The Buccaneers continued to flip-flop between offense and defense on Friday night with their third-round pick of this year’s draft. After going offense in round one and defense in round two, they went back to the offense in the third round. Penn State wide receiver Chris Godwin became the newest weapon for Jameis Winston. Yes, the #WeaponsForWinston crowd continues to get its wish.
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Godwin spent three years with the Nittany Lions, catching 154 passes for 2,421 yards and 18 touchdowns. In his sophomore season, he totaled 1,101 yards. Last year, he finished just shy of the 1,000-yard mark (982), but upped his touchdown total from five to 11.
He brings even more speed to the receiving corps, joining DeSean Jackson as a speed option on the other side of Mike Evans. At the NFL Combine, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.42 seconds. His performance at the combine opened a lot of eyes, as he showed not only a rare flash of speed, but also some solid strength. The 6-foot-1-inch receiver is compared to San Francisco’s Pierre Garcon, although he has also drawn comparisons to Pittsburgh’s Antonio Brown.
Godwin is just another dangerous option on the outside for Winston, which should bode well for those wanting to see the Bucs put a lot of points on the scoreboard. He has been criticized for his route-running skills, so there is some work to be done. However, with talented guys like Jackson and Evans there to help him along, he could develop into a big-time playmaker for Tampa Bay’s upstart offense.
Next: Buccaneers Select Chris Godwin In Round Three
What do you think of the pick, Bucs fans? Are you happy that Winston gained yet another solid option at receiver?