The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are counting on big production from their wide receiver room in 2026. Everybody will need to step up in order to replace future Hall of Famer Mike Evans.
As part of their Evans succession plan, Tampa Bay drafted Ted Hurst in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Hurst is a 6-foot-4 big-play threat that the team intends to groom to step into Evans’ former X wide receiver role.
Hurst had already been making a strong first impression throughout rookie minicamp and OTAs, and he continued to put on a show at mandatory minicamp, earning major praise from fellow wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.
Emeka Egbuka is impressed with Ted Hurst at Bucs minicamp
Egbuka was the Bucs’ first-round draft choice last year, and the team has big plans for the young duo as the future of the wide receiver position in Tampa Bay.
Following the final day of mandatory minicamp Wednesday, Egbuka spoke to reporters and was asked about his rookie teammate.
“I think Ted, something that I’ve seen from him is that he kind of always ends up in the right spot at the right time. He has an elite catch radius, obviously he’s a very long-limbed receiver, and he can play the jump ball very well,” said Egbuka. “He has elite speed, long strides. I think he’s an athletic specimen, someone who once he continues to hone his game… he’s going to be a huge weapon for us.”
Bucs new WR Ted Hurst:
— The Pewter Plank (@ThePewterPlank) April 25, 2026
🏴☠️ Led FBS with 34 catches of 20+ yards over the past two seasons
🏴☠️ 70.9% of receptions resulted in either a first down or touchdown
🏴☠️ Explosive downfield threat with 127 catches, 1,965 yards and 15 touchdowns over last 2 seasons
HOME RUN PICK! pic.twitter.com/oQcXnaQe6x
Hurst led the FBS with 34 receptions for 20+ yards over the last two seasons at Georgia State. Nearly 71% of his receptions went for either first downs or touchdowns. He’s simply a highlight play waiting to happen with the ball in his hands.
Egbuka is right to be excited about his new teammate. Hurst remains a raw prospect, and he’ll need to refine his game before taking on a significant role, but he has the physical tools and potential to develop into one of the NFL’s most explosive wide receivers, and a dominant weapon in Tampa Bay for years to come.
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