“The Smartest Receiver In The Room”
April 20th, 2021
It only took a handful of months for Bucs fans to hear stunning praise after one of the drafts during The Lost Decade.
The year was 2017. Then head coach Dirk Koetter was calling rookie Chris Godwin a No. 1 receiver after drafting him in Round 3. And backup QB Ryan Fitzpatrick called Godwin the most mature rookie he had ever been around.
The love was especially noteworthy from two grizzled NFL veterans not prone to hyperbole.
Godwin proved them right, growing each season and adapting to different roles before landing in the Pro Bowl and winning a Super Bowl.
His wide receiver counterpart, 2014 Bucs first-round pick Mike Evans, opened Joe’s eyes this week when he sort of flashed back to the Fitzpatrick-Koetter praise during a chat with TheAthletic.com.
“He’s been more of a mentor to me actually,” said Evans [of Godwin]. “He came in and from Day 1, he was the smartest receiver in the room. I’m very happy we got him back. He’s a big part of our team and we love having him around.”
Big praise there from Evans, and Joe doesn’t doubt it for a minute.
As the 2021 draft approaches, Joe’s taking a minute to savor what a draft score the Bucs had in Godwin four years ago.
April 20th, 2021 at 10:56 am
Wait until Brady has Elijah Moore !
April 20th, 2021 at 12:00 pm
It will be interesting to see how the Bucs navigate the cap next year. They’ll need to make some tough decisions and Godwin will be one of them.
April 20th, 2021 at 12:23 pm
Mike Evans is a great leader and has no problem building up his teammates!
April 20th, 2021 at 1:12 pm
Love Chris godwin’s game and attitude hope bucs sign him long term next year
April 20th, 2021 at 1:23 pm
I love Mike Evans. He’s very much like Brady when speak of teammates. Team first players are what wins championships. We’ve paid the price as Buc fans, but we are in our glory right now. Go Bucs!!!
April 20th, 2021 at 1:27 pm
Hes a great Reciever! Amazing that we were able to keep him!
April 20th, 2021 at 2:18 pm
There was a time when all we had was Mike. Now super stars are everywhere you look on this team Mike deserves much praise
April 20th, 2021 at 3:11 pm
Bucs have best receiver Corp in NFL…
Still wish ABnormal would get off his high chair and sign already 🤔
April 20th, 2021 at 3:59 pm
Calling Julio Jones. Wanna win a Super Bowl?
April 20th, 2021 at 4:59 pm
And now all of our players are getting their respect nationally. A lot of you have been asking for that for years. And guess who made it possible the 🐐 Tom Brady that’s who. Cry more haters I love the 🤡 show since there’s no more ringling bros.
April 20th, 2021 at 10:24 pm
He was picked 84th overall. Just goes to show you don’t need to reach for skill positions players. I wasn’t a fan franchising him, but it ain’t my money. Brady would’ve had plenty without him. You may actually be hindering miller and the other kid. I forget his name. They are cheaper options who are still under team control. I was actually looking forward to seeing those Two blossom. Godwin will most likely be moving on anyway. He’ll want stupid money and he’ll get it from someone. The cap is almost assuredly going up