Ted Hurst (left) alongside Emeka Egbuka.
How good is third-round-pick receiver Ted Hurst?
Joe remembers when the Bucs drafted talented Mike Williams in Round 4 of the 2010 NFL Draft. He was a heck of a prospect and the Bucs installed him the No. 1 receiver immediately. Despite facing double teams, Williams racked up 65 catches for 964 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie — and the Bucs marched to a 10-6 record.
Joe looks at Hurst in practice and sees a bigger, better, stronger and faster version of Williams. (Joe hesitates to compare anyone to Mike Evans, but Hurst certainly gives off Evans vibes.)
During a 1-on-1 chat with Todd Bowles on Wednesday afternoon following two good practices for Hurst against the Jets, Joe asked the head coach about his top rookie on offense.
JoeBucsFan.com: Ted Hurst, what can you say about him? Looks like you’ve found a gem.
Todd Bowles: Some things to learn, obviously; he’s learning, too. But he can go up and get the ball with the best of them. If you put it up there and he’s 1-on-1, covered or uncovered, there’s a very good chance he comes down with it.
Joe: Last year when Jacob Parrish was drafted, you very quickly said he can start in the NFL, he can play outside corner in the NFL. Is Ted Hurst on a similar plane?
Bowles: I feel he can go out there and play. It’s a little early to tell whether he compares to Parrish or not. But he’s made some splash plays in practice and in these scrimmages here [against the Jets] and I’m excited to see him play under the lights.
Pretty cool how Bowles thinks Hurst’s ball-snatching skills are among the best in the business. The Joe typing here has been barking on the Ira Kaufman Podcast for months that the Bucs should not hesitate to play Hurst if he is ready, maybe even start him after he gets his feet wet.
Get the best players on the field.
Ira Kaufman Talks All The Need-To-Know From Jets-Bucs Practices, New Todd Bowles Comments, And Much More