Things seem to be lining up nicely for Tampa Bay’s 2026 3rd Round pick Ted Hurst. Mike Evans is gone, Emeka Egbuka is dealing with turf toe, Jalen McMillan and Tez Johnson have not been healthy, and word coming out of Tampa Bay is that Hurst has supplanted Johnson on the depth chart and has been turning heads all offseason. Hurst could also be the new X-WR (Mike Evans replacement) for the Buccaneers. So it’s not surprising that Hurst is “going to play a role” this season.
With a 95th percentile speed score, 85th percentile burst score, 73rd percentile catch radius, Hurst is big, fast, strong, and, has burst. He dominated in college with a 27.8% target share and college dominator rating of 33.6%, and could very well wind up doing the same, or more, in the NFL. Hurst is currently WR 50 on PlayerProfiler’s Dynasty Rankings and he’s also worth rostering in seasonal-redraft leagues, and probably asap in order to beat that possible week 1 waiver wire rush.
~Jason Diaz
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson was dealing ...
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson made a lot ...
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson popped up on...
With Jalen McMillan sidelined by a knee injury, third-round rookie Ted Hurst is taking advantage of immediate perimeter reps in the X-receiver role. At 6-foot-4 and 206 pounds featuring a 4.42 40-yard dash, Hurst offers elite size-speed traits paired with day-two draft capital.
Hurst is a high upside late-round best ball selection primed for an eventual breakout. As PlayerProfiler’s rookie WR6, he should also be targeted aggressively in the second round of dynasty rookie drafts.
Buccaneers rookie WR Ted Hurst—sporting a 33.6% College Dominator Rating and 27.8% College Target Share—is turning heads at minicamp as a boundary X-receiver. While Tampa Bay values the versatile skill sets of Jalen McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, and Chris Godwin Jr., Hurst offers a 6-foot-4 vertical frame to stretch defenses deep.
With field stretcher Tez Johnson missing practice with a groin injury (Godwin, Egbuka and McMillan all sat out the same day for maintenance), Hurst had a day flashing big plays on the outside. While Johnson’s role has been precarious since Hurst was selected in the third round, McMillan’s snap share is also at-risk from the size-speed specimen.
Hurst currently sits fourth on the target hierarchy, but his classic X receiver profile makes him a strong late-round fantasy football draft target with upside if he captures perimeter snaps. Dynasty league drafters would be wise to soak up as much Hurst now before he starts delivering splash plays on Sundays.
Tez Johnson, the dynamic wide receiver from Oregon, was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the seventh round (235th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft. Known for his explosive playmaking ability, Johnson brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the Buccaneers crowded receiving corp. Over his collegiate career at Troy and Oregon, he recorded 310 receptions for 3,889 yards and 28 touchdowns across 62 games.
Johnson’s draft stock declined at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. Johnson weighed in at 154 pounds, the lightest of any participant that year. He ran a 4.55-second 40-yard dash, which was slower than expected for a player of his size. Despite these concerns, he did post the best three-cone drill time among all receivers, highlighting his agility and quickness.
In fantasy football, Johnson’s value will depend on his ability to carve out a role in the Buccaneers offense. His quickness and agility make him a potential asset in PPR formats, especially if he secures a role in the slot receiver position. However, his small frame and lack of elite speed may limit his upside. Fantasy managers should monitor his progress during training camp and preseason to assess his potential role and value for the upcoming season.
Author: Jake Lewis (@Lewylewis5)
Tez Johnson wide receiver out of Oregon had a rather disappointing performance at the Combine. His came in 5’9” and weighting just 154 pounds. His measurables lone were disappointing. Then came time for the 40-yard dash. During the week he got asked the question, “What to expect in his 40 time?” His reply, “If you blink, you might not see me.” Well, running a 4.55 think most blinked twice. This was the lowest 40 time ever for anyone weighting less than 170 points. While his 40 time and size were below standards he did have the best 3 cone drill time for all participants at the wide receiver position.
With bad measurables and 40 his draft stock will be on the decline. His game film showed a lot faster than a 4.55, but he is projected to be a Day 3 pick or Undrafted. Depending on landing spot could be a dart throw in your Dynasty Draft.
Author: Jake Lewis (@Lewylewis5)
