Ted Hurst Draws Another Mike Evans Comparison
August 9th, 2026
Rookie receiver Ted Hurst.
This post is not about August muscle pulls or a desire to pay outrageous California income tax.
As Joe noted, Bucs rookie receiver Ted Hurst roasted cornerback Jacob Parrish in the end zone near the end of practice. It was first-team red zone work and Parrish’s coverage was good. Hurst’s catch simply was on another planet.
The third-round pick’s body control is special, and his hands are very solid, too.
After practice, Joe asked Parrish if Hurst reminds him of any receiver he’s faced in games or practice.
Parrish went right for the Goat of Tampa Bay receivers, Mike Evans.
“I mean, I want to say Mike Evans, but you know, Mike Evans is different,” Parrish said of Hurst. “I kind of see similar[ities] — same length and everything. But he’s still got a long way to go, but I see that [in him] a little bit.”
Fans will remember how Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht went there about Hurst immediately after the NFL Draft but wouldn’t say Evans’ name.
“You know, I don’t like making pro comparisons sometimes because I don’t want to put the pressure on him and all of a sudden anoint him a Pro Bowler right away, either,” Licht said of Hurst. “But, you know, you can kind of connect the dots. We got a 6-foot-4, super fast, incredible-ball-skill guy down the field. There’s been some great players that have those assets.”
Though nine days of training camp, Licht’s assessment has been on the money.
August 9th, 2026 at 5:29 pm
May be the best pick of this years draft when it all said and done. Legit skill set.
August 9th, 2026 at 5:53 pm
yes, I saw him today at practice and admit he was impressive. He may end being another grat wr pic for the Bucs. After losing ME, the fans sure could use some good news to take away the sting of losing ME.
August 9th, 2026 at 6:26 pm
Some of you might not get it. Shifting gears with Hurst. Can’t wait until he shifts into another gear and burns a DB.
August 9th, 2026 at 6:32 pm
He looks like DK Metcalf. Just skinnier.
Same face.
And I love that he kept his word and stayed at Georgia State in the era of NIL.
He kept his word in an era without morality.
I love this guy.
Time to trade Vea and end the rebuild.
Mike Evans, LVD and Vea. The end of an era.
But we need that 1st or 2nd round pick next year.
And we need money for Yaya and Mauch.
Time to wave aloha to Vita Vea. And see what we have in Elijah the Caveman Simmons. We can draft TWO defensive tackles next year if we trade Vea.
Imagine two NT next year? Imagine 2 guys for Vea?
And both young.
We gotta be heartless this time. And look to the future.
And double down at DT/NT next year in round 2.
August 9th, 2026 at 6:35 pm
Imagine an elite CB in round 1 2027.
And TWO young DTs or NTs in round 2?
August 9th, 2026 at 7:01 pm
Yes hurst was a Carolina killer pick he will be our version of teteiroa McMillan this year dont be fooled folks watch how that line up changes when we get in goal line situations, freakish athletes dont ride the pine for long. Another thing I like Jacob Parrish so if he made that catch on him he has to be pretty good.
August 9th, 2026 at 7:13 pm
“He’s a faster Larry Fitzgerald.” – Steve Smith
August 9th, 2026 at 7:35 pm
Fair, or not he was drafted to replace Mike as the X receiver. They hoped he’d have a year under Mike, but here we are. So the comparison is going to be made. I think he’s going to be a good one.
August 9th, 2026 at 7:37 pm
The draft was absolute money!
Getting Bain at 15 was just the perfect player falling to the Bucs not only because he was BPA but filled a long time need. I didn’t know much about Trotter other than the name, but listening to him talk and hearing his teammates talk about him, I think he has a chance to be a good one. Hurst was a steal in round 3. Scott fills a need at nickel and can play STs. Bauer looks sharp. I haven’t heard much about the ND guard, but he could be a future depth player and maybe develop into a starter.
August 9th, 2026 at 7:46 pm
He was good in college with a bad quarterback, he might benefit from a better quarterback and better OC now despite the better competition from the cornerbacks in the NFL.
August 9th, 2026 at 8:13 pm
High high hopes for this young man. The wide receiver target list for the first few games will be extremely interesting to say the least. Hope Otton gets his share as well. Man, won’t it be great to have a solid defense along an explosive offense? Like I said, high high hopes.
August 9th, 2026 at 8:27 pm
Hopes? This is what Todd B. Brings us. We all know talent was here, is here, will be here, but Todd as HC is just mediocrity in motion. 8-9 or 9-8. Best we can get from this HC. No “hope” needed for THurst. Here’s to “hoping “ Todd is not a HC in 2027. Thanks Glazers!
August 9th, 2026 at 8:47 pm
🚨 🚨 🚨
Somebody check on the doom-and-gloom crew, the funeral for the Bucs’ receiving corps has officially been CANCELLED.
I LOVE Mike Evans. Tampa legend and his accomplishments and legacy here are untouchable. But Father Time doesn’t negotiate with hamstrings, or apparently quads either. Guess who’s already on the injury report with a quad strain?
Maybe practicing next to a radioactive nuclear facility was supposed to give Mike superpowers. Apparently the quad didn’t get the memo. ☢️😂
Meanwhile, Ted Hurst is out here making ridiculous contested catches, showing body control, toughness and YAC, and now teammates are dropping the Mike Evans comparison.
Nobody replaces Mike Evans. But football keeps moving. The doomers were planning a funeral. Jason Licht was planning the FUTURE.
🔥 LFG!!
August 9th, 2026 at 9:02 pm
The team has the talent on it to be a talented team.
August 9th, 2026 at 9:06 pm
I think hurst is going to be a very good receiver in this league but my word do we get over our skis in this corner of the internet. Author included.
August 9th, 2026 at 9:06 pm
No disrespect to anyone, but, although unintended, not having both Evans and Hurst here together may be the best arrangement for all parties.
August 9th, 2026 at 9:23 pm
Evans went 7th overall…please stop this insanity. Zero reason to add extra pressure to the kid. SMDH. Stop it.
August 9th, 2026 at 9:26 pm
Evans was great here, obviously, but man he DID have some huge drops on easy TD catches throughout the years that killed alot of drives.
If Hurst can avoid those, and fill the Evans void effectively, that will be GREAT.
And dare I say… possibly even an upgrade over Evans if Hurst doesn’t drop easy TD catches.
August 9th, 2026 at 9:52 pm
Quit expecting this kid to be Mike Evans. He isn’t, and if that’s your expectation it isn’t fair to Hurst and if (when) he doesn’t live up to it, you all will be calling him a disappointment.
August 9th, 2026 at 10:52 pm
StormyInFl,
Steve Smith says Hurst is a faster Larry Fitzgerald (who was even better than Evans in alot of people’s eyes).
And Steve Smith is more knowledgeable than you or anyone else on this site, so I’ll trust Steve Smith’s assessment of Hurst and his comp to Fitzgerald.
August 9th, 2026 at 11:51 pm
Steve Smith also said the Bucs were gonna get run in in the 2020 playoffs.
Ice up son.