Buccaneers rookie WR predicted to breakout if he can improve one skill in his game

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost Mike Evans this offseason, but they extended both Vita Vea and Baker Mayfield to long-term deals.

But without Evans, the wide receiver room has taken on a new look. Emeka Egbuka is the No. 1 option alongside veteran Chris Godwin. Jalen McMillan is projected as the third WR, but that might change in favor of their rookie, Ted Hurst III.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler predicts that Hurst could break out this season, so long as he fixes one part of his game. That area Hurst needs to address? His route-running.

Buccaneers' Ted Hurst III could break out if he fixes route-running issues

"Rookie Buccaneers receiver Ted Hurst III will be hard to keep off the field if he can refine his route running," Fowler writes.

Addressing his route running is easier said than done, but if Hurst can do so, then he might end up becoming a key receiver for the Buccaneers this upcoming season.

The 6-foot-3, 185-pound rookie out of Georgia State is a very interesting receiver prospect. He caught 71 passes for 1,004 yards and six touchdowns last season in college, and 56 receptions for 961 yards and nine touchdowns the year prior.

MORE: Eagles predicted to have Byron Young and Ty Robinson breakout in 2026 season

Drafted in Round 3 by the Buccaneers, the team clearly believes in him, and now the only question is how soon he can get on the field this season.

Fowler believes that if the 22-year-old rookie can improve his route running, then Hurst could break out onto the scene and become a key part of the Tampa Bay offense.

With Evans now gone, a big-bodied receiver like Hurst would be quite useful for the Buccaneers. He's just a bit more raw and might not be ready just yet.

Hurst might not be a breakout candidate right from the start of the year in Week 1. But by the end of the season, it would not be a surprise to see the Buccaneers rookie involved in a major way.

More NFL news:

• Why Aaron Jones Sr. might not be Vikings lead RB in 2026
• Tucker Kraft is ‘hoping’ to sign record-setting $20M AAV extension with Packers
• How Travis Hunter could win Comeback Player of the Year for Jaguars in 2026
• Commanders’ Jayden Daniels has ‘considerable hype’ from around NFL entering 2026 season
• Cowboys are ‘hoping’ to unlock George Pickens with more versatile usage