Second and third-year players ready to break out in 2018

Chris Godwin

Godwin didn’t see a lot of snaps for the Buccaneers with veterans Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson as the starting outside receivers and unlike a lot of NFL clubs, Tampa Bay used a heavy amount to two-tight sets with Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard.

When they did trot out in three-receiver sets Adam Humphries was their primary slot. However, when Godwin was on the field, he made most of his opportunities, earning the second-highest grade among rookie receivers by Pro Football Focus.

In his only two starts, he averaged 83 yards through the air and ended the season with a seven-catch game for over 100 yards and a game-winning TD. Considering both Jackson and especially Humphries struggled at times last season, while the rook showed a lot of promise, I expect his role to increase quickly in his sophomore campaign.

He is a downfield threat and high-percentage guy in contested catch situations. I think the majority of his snaps will come in the slot, where he already did some damage in 2017.