Entering the 2019 season, Bucs wide receiver Chris Godwin was viewed by many as a player ready for a breakout season. Bruce Arians even said the third-year receiver out of Penn State could be close to a 100-catch guy this year.
Through the first 11 weeks of the season, Godwin has already exceeded expectations, setting a career-high in both receptions (63) and receiving yards (887) and tying his career-high with seven touchdown receptions.
Few people probably predicted Godwin turning into the star player he has, but now that he’s arrived on the scene, it doesn’t look like he’ll be going anywhere anytime soon. Which might explain why ESPN selected Godwin to their list of the top 25 players under 25 for 2019.
Godwin — who won’t turn 25 until February of 2021 — landed at No. 22.
Here’s part of the explanation for his inclusion on the list:
“Godwin was a relatively unheralded third-round pick in 2017, but he has emerged as a force. The restraints are off in 2019. New coach Bruce Arians converted Godwin to a slot receiver and has had him on the field for 96% of the team’s offensive snaps. The Penn State product has run a league-high 368 pass routes and has already put up a 60/840/6 receiving line, ranking no lower than sixth among receivers in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns… He and superstar Mike Evans certainly combine to form arguably the league’s best duo at the position.”
Godwin had a fast start to the season, catching six touchdowns in the team’s first five games. He had one touchdown reception in last Sunday’s loss to the New Orleans Saints. It was Godwin’s first touchdown since he caught two against the Saints back in Week 5’s loss.
Godwin will look to keep his scoring ways going next Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons on the road.
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