Fansided

Each NFL team’s biggest breakout candidate

By Conor Dorney

Mandatory Credit: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images /
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TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 12: Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (12) during the second half of an NFL game between the New York Jets and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 12, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers defeated the Jets 15-10. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 12: Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (12) during the second half of an NFL game between the New York Jets and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 12, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers defeated the Jets 15-10. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Chris Godwin

After inking Mike Evans to a lucrative five-year, $82 million extension, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hoping to count on another member of their receiving corps to break out in 2018: second-year wide receiver Chris Godwin.

The former third-round selection from Penn State, Godwin had a relatively quiet rookie season but finished the year nicely with two consecutive 90+ yard receiving games. Godwin received a 79.8 grade for his season from Pro Football Focus, second-best in the NFL among rookie receivers behind Cooper Kupp of the Rams.

The biggest obstacle for Godwin will be fighting for his share of targets in an offense that features Evans, DeSean Jackson, O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate. But it’s a good sign that Godwin has made the most of his opportunities and should get plenty of one-on-one matchups as opposing defenses focus their efforts on containing Evans and Jackson.

Godwin is at his best out of the slot and as he continues to develop, he should have plenty of space in the middle of the field to exploit opposing coverages. With DeSean Jackson entering his age-32 season, injuries could also push Godwin up the depth chart and increase his target volume.

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