Even though it might be a tough pill to swallow for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their fans, we may have seen the end of the Chris Godwin era.
The Buccaneers have thrived for the better part of the last decade with 2 of the NFL’s best wide receivers with Godwin and future Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Evans side by side, but with Godwin headed into free agency he’s a luxury the Buccaneers most likely can no longer afford.
That’s why CBS Sports has the Buccaneers projected to take Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III with the No. 19 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft in their latest mock draft released on January 17.
From CBS Sports: “Luther Burden III would be a luxury even if Chris Godwin departs given the play of Jalen McMillan. However, if offensive coordinator Liam Coen returns, then the offense is going to be relied upon to get them back to the playoffs next year.”
Burden is one of the top wide receiver prospects in the draft despite his numbers going down significantly from 2023 (86 receptions, 1,212 yards, 9 touchdowns) to 2024 (61 receptions, 676 yards, 6 touchdowns).
From Bleacher Report’s draft profile on Burden: “Dynamic playmaker who excels with the football in space … Alignment versatile offers creative play-calling possibilities.”