Can Rookie WR Replace Buccaneers Legend Mike Evans Statistics?

Can Rookie WR Replace Buccaneers Legend Mike Evans Statistics?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 84th overall. Hurst ran a 4.42 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Combine, while having a 36.5 " vertical jump and 11'3" broad jump.

At 6-foot-3, Hurst is an athletic receiver who has speed and can make contested catches on a consistent basis.

Hurst started his college football career at Valdosta State from 2022-2023, totaling 60 receptions for 1,027 yards and 10 touchdowns. He then transferred to Georgia State in 2024 for his junior season, where he accumulated 56 receptions for 961 yards and nine touchdowns, being named Second-Team All-Sun Belt Conference.

Hurst' senior season in 2025 was also productive, catching 71 passes for 1,004 yards and six touchdowns, earning himself First-Team All-Sun Belt Conference honors.

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles talked about Hurst in rookie minicamp saying he has, "great size, is a very good athlete, obviously." Bowles went on to further state, "He’s got to get used to the heat a little bit himself. Even though he’s from Georgia, he’s got to get used to the heat a little bit."

Former Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans signed with the 49ers on a three-year deal in March. While a Buccaneer, Evans accumulated 866 receptions for 13,052 yards and 108 touchdowns in his 11-year tenure in Tampa Bay.

Now that Evans is a member of the 49ers, can Hurst replace his his production?

Buccaneers Assistant General Manager Rob McCartney spoke on the subject of replacing Evans.

"We’re never going to replace Mike, but you do try to replace his size and speed, which Mike had. I think Ted has that, too. So Ted, he’s a small school guy who started at Valdosta, transferred to Georgia State and played a couple years," McCartney said. "He had opportunities to go to bigger schools with all the (name, image and likeness) stuff and stayed loyal to Georgia State, which is kind of refreshing in this day and age that guys choose to stay sometimes."

Hurst could potentially be the X receiver for the Buccaneers but it'll take some time for the rookie to get adjusted to the NFL. But the talent is evident.