Jaelon Darden is a wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He attended Eisenhower High School in Houston, Texas where he earned all-district honors as a quarterback before becoming a 3-star wide receiver recruit out of high school.
In 2017, Darden committed to the University of North Texas to play four seasons of college football. His college statistics were impressive as he recorded a program-record 230 receptions for 2,782 yards an 38 touchdowns in 47 games. In his senior year, he was named Conference USA MVP. Darden's 45.0% college dominator rating and 32.0% college target share rank in the 91st and 94th percentiles among receivers, respectively. While his speed score and catch radius rank below-median, his 40 time ranks in the 63rd percentile and his agility score ranks in the 94th percentile.
Eventually, Darden was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL draft to begin his career with an opportunity to catch passes from Tom Brady. However, he was at the bottom of the depth chart barrel for Tampa Bay in his rookie season, with only a 13.6% snap share and 53 routes run, both of which ranked outside of the top 150 at the position. He finished the regular season with only six receptions on 12 targets for 43 yards and one rushing attempt for 11 yards. In two playoff games, he was strictly used for kick and punt return duties. Darden's rookie contract ends in 2024.
