10 NFL wide receivers who can lead the league in receiving

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after a play against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 17: Chris Godwin #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pushes his way into the end zone to score during the third quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2019 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /

WR. Chris Godwin. player. 48. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 8

Mike Evans could easily have earned a spot on this list, but Godwin is the receiver better poised to benefit from Tom Brady’s arrival. His ability to run every route in the tree and create quality separation will make him one of the Hall of Famer’s favorite weapons in his new home.

It’s not as if Godwin struggled playing with Jameis Winston last year. He still managed to catch 86 balls for 1,333 yards and nine touchdowns a season ago. The challenge for him in 2020 will be building on his breakout season.

In some ways, the presence of Evans at wide receiver and Rob Gronkowski at tight end might hurt Godwin’s production. There are a lot of mouths to fill in Tampa. On the other hand, the presence of such high-quality surrounding talent also gives him more opportunities to work against single coverage.

Think of Godwin as a better version of Julian Edelman in the Buccaneers’ offense. He’s got the savvy route-running ability to keep the chains moving, but he also has the electric speed to make big plays down the field. NFC South secondaries should be very afraid of what Godwin can do with Brady at the helm.

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