The Good And The Bad From Ted Hurst
April 25th, 2026
Ted Hurst, the Bucs’ new third-round draft pick receiver.
The Bucs drafted a beastly and explosive Round 3 receiver sure to leave fans drooling through the preseason, hoping he’s the next Mike Evans.
Ted Hurst out of Georgia State comes with a load of question marks, primarily that he played at Georgia State against a lot of weak competition. But hey, that’s not Hurst’s falt.
The data folks at Sharp Football Analysis love a lot about Hurst but question his hands.
They question the competition 21-year-old Hurst faced but note he did play well against strong programs, “7 catches for 97 yards against Memphis and 7 catches for 71 yards against Vanderbilt in non-conference play. In 2024, he also roughed up Vanderbilt for 7 catches for 128 yards and 3 touchdowns.”
Hurst dropped 9% of his targets, which was 38th in this class. Paired with his off-target rate of opportunities, there was meat left on the bone.
The question is whether he will be a target earner playing with NFL teammates.
At the high end of the spectrum, Hurst could be on the Christian Watson side, while at the lower end, he is like Justin Hunter.
Well, if Hurst’s ceiling is Watson, then that’s nothing special. Joe’s thinking Hurst has more of a DJ Chark kind of ceiling.
It will be fun to attach a lot of hope to Hurst, though he’s unlikely to be the next Evans.
April 25th, 2026 at 2:14 pm
some were saying he could be like Tee Higgins and Steve Smith threw out he saw some Larry Fitz in him. From what I see, he is a hands catcher and makes good adjustments. Maybe better QB play will help.
April 25th, 2026 at 2:14 pm
Man McVay really gets it, can’t believe we are stuck with Mr. Flaccid
April 25th, 2026 at 2:14 pm
Two thoughts, first he absolutely could have played better competition, in the modern ncaa a player can transfer to a higher quality conference at the least. Secondly, have you seen how poor the quarterback play was at Georgia state? It gives me Reggie Ball to Calvin Johnson vibes. So really I have no idea what we have, he is tall, fast and I really don’t know much else. I hear he blew up at the Senior Bowl which at least counts for something.
April 25th, 2026 at 2:16 pm
This is awesome! Drafting linebackers and cornerbacks who can’t cover, but at least drafting junior college wide receivers who can’t catch.
Standing O.
April 25th, 2026 at 2:18 pm
The Saints just drafted Trey Lances brother from North Dakota State.
He’s also 6-4 but runs a 4.33. Even faster than Hurst.
So we have our career comparison.
Hurst versus Lance. Two 6-4 fast WR’s drafted in rounds 3 and 4.
April 25th, 2026 at 2:19 pm
Mike Evans dropped a lot of balls
But this kid is 21 and still growing
April 25th, 2026 at 2:22 pm
Who mo says what?
April 25th, 2026 at 2:22 pm
Man I think this kid is going to be good really good Reminds me of a Pickens an Higgins if they had a baby he would be it Im really excited dude can go up an make contested catches an he has speed I think he will be good an Watson is actually really good when he is hurt.Joe lol but imagine If he played an wasn’t hurt all the time he’s actually good what brings Watson down so much is he’s never available
April 25th, 2026 at 2:24 pm
If they passed on Hurst that round, they may have targeted Sarratt for next round who got taken the pick before the Bucs to the Ravens.
April 25th, 2026 at 2:30 pm
So Christian Watson has actually turned into a decent WR for GB. Like trust me I hate GB and I have to deal with annoying Packers fans on the daily. Watson is actually pretty good. It took him a while because, Jordan Love isn’t that special, Mighty Matt Lefleur is overrated as a coach and play caller and he was from ndsu
April 25th, 2026 at 2:42 pm
Christian Watson was farrrrr more polished. Watched him at Plant. Hits not even close.
April 25th, 2026 at 2:44 pm
Mike Evans was a top 10 draft pick.
Future Hall of Famer and all that jazz.
April 25th, 2026 at 2:48 pm
Stop talking about Mike Evans. It does nothing for this team and these players. This kid Hurst is a young man coming from a small school. He’s got good measurements and will be our 4th or 5th wideout. Lets pump the breaks a bit here guys
April 25th, 2026 at 2:50 pm
Just another HORRIBLE Draft. The caliber of players we could’ve had over these past two drafts, are just SICKENING. We could’ve had BIGGGG BADDDD Deone Walker LAST YEAR, and we have to settle for another ‘underachieving’ Clemson D-Lineman. Just sooooo MANY major missteps and WASTED opportunities. It’s unreal. NOTHING ever makes ANY sense with this HORRIBLE Bucs GM. Just horrible, in EVERY way!!!! And, it’s not JUST the draft. It’s with EVERY-Freaking-THING.
April 25th, 2026 at 2:52 pm
Whoever is hoping he’s the next Mike Evans should try taking a deep breath sometime.
April 25th, 2026 at 2:54 pm
@ Scott – Steve Smith literally hands out ‘compliments’ like that to EVERY young WR. Especially, if he has a personal relationship with, or even saw him work-out one time.
April 25th, 2026 at 2:57 pm
When you guys mentioned Watson I thought you meant Justin Watson. I always liked that guy. Did alright for himself with the Chiefs. He has 3 rings.
April 25th, 2026 at 2:59 pm
My slop for the obese brain trust.
Licht is the best GM and Bowles is a defensive Guru.
I’m sure an undefeated run to the SB is on tap in 2026.
Just ask Lakeland.
April 25th, 2026 at 3:00 pm
@ BuccinBaker6 – you’re only regurgitating what you have heard and been TOLD. Only the stuff that you WANTED to hear. Cause, I’m know I’m going out on a limb here, but I’m guessing that you didn’t WATCH a single ONE of his games last season. Oh, so YOU’RE this BIGGGG “Georgia State Fan” then, hahahahahahhhh Lmfaoooo. GTFO
April 25th, 2026 at 3:03 pm
The guy did exceptionally well on a really bad college football team. If he had played with a top 15 team he would have been drafted much higher. I watched the tape and the guy is a sleeper pick.
April 25th, 2026 at 3:05 pm
hilarious how none of the mock drafts got close to reality. waste of time… hurst highlight film is awesome playing against weak teams, if he can do good teams will have to double him. he killed everyone in single coverage, exciting
April 25th, 2026 at 3:06 pm
Once AGAIN, no matter WHO the Bucs Pick, these empty blind homers are going to say, they like it and he’s going to be GREAT. Just SO GREAT. LoL GTFO.
April 25th, 2026 at 3:25 pm
OK Melvin, who would you have drafted that was available to us? Last year doesn’t count because, well, they’ve had a year but 1 year does not a wunderkind make. Not trolling you at all just curious to see who you would have drafted and then compare it through the year and see how you do. And that goes for anyone that wants to post their draft board too. It will be an interesting take.
April 25th, 2026 at 3:31 pm
NO got a good TE we won’t cover too.
April 25th, 2026 at 3:32 pm
Solid pickup to squeeze WR talent early before going back to depth on Defense versus taking another receiver in later rounds. Classic JL WR pick at right time during draft
April 25th, 2026 at 3:59 pm
And not worried about his hamstrings
April 25th, 2026 at 4:00 pm
Melvin and 3.28 are the biggest babies. I know why yall comment on her so much. Ain’t nobody want to be friends with the biggest cry babies in the world yall make me laugh with how much yall whine.
April 25th, 2026 at 4:28 pm
MelvinJunior Says
“Once AGAIN, no matter WHO the Bucs Pick, these empty blind homers are going to say, they like it and he’s going to be GREAT. Just SO GREAT. LoL GTFO.”
AND once again…. No matter who the Bucs pick, these loser crybaby critics are going to say they DONT like it and he’s going to suck. Just SO BAD. Whaaaaaa 🍼🤣
April 25th, 2026 at 4:39 pm
Chris
J-mac
EE
Tez
Hurst
Cade
Bucky
Gainewell
Hell I could scheme a 300 yard per game passing attack with these guys catching the ball. If Zac is what we hope he is he should be very excited to get to work. Too bad Mike’s gone but it’s going to turn out to be a good thing. Chris is the perfect vet/mentor and our young guys are talented and hungry – time to turn the page.
Let’s go Bucs 👍🏼
April 25th, 2026 at 4:51 pm
I like young Mr. Hurst. His interview on the Bucs’ site is refreshing. I think his choice of a small school was wise because his body is still maturing –in three years he will be a horse– and it has had time to develop and his skills grow with him. Usually a small school will provide more individualized coaching, as well as a greater opportunity to assume a leadership role, not to mention having an offense suited to his talents. All of this, of course, suggests a lower level of competition and stress; but some young people thrive in such an environment. But when their talents mature and come together, watch out! By the end of training camp, Mr. Hurst may be among the first.
April 25th, 2026 at 5:16 pm
He looks a lot like a young Mike Williams. ( R.I.P. ). No pressure to start right away either. Could be a super pick. Great draft.
April 25th, 2026 at 5:50 pm
Reminds me of a player many years ago. Reggie Rembert.