May 22, 2026, 10:53 AM ET

Looking at the depth chart can be discouraging for fantasy managers, especially those hoping to see Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Ted Hurst make a fantasy impression in 2026. Hurst currently ranks behind Chris Godwin Jr., Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, and Tez Johnson. However, nothing has come easily to the zero-star recruit, and wherever Hurst has gone, he has created a new narrative. After recording 1,096 receiving yards in just two seasons at Georgia State, Hurst heard his name called on Day 2, as the Buccaneers made him their selection in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Looking at the receivers ahead of Hurst entering camp, Egbuka played 17 games, but was playing hurt much of the second half of his rookie season, while Godwin and McMillan played a combined 13 games. Not only is durability a concern for Buccaneer receivers, but we also have 159 vacated targets with the departures of Mike Evans, Rachaad White, and Sterling Shepard. While the path to fantasy production looks bleak on the surface for Hurst, there is a plausible path to production for the rookie this season. Hurst is the only receiver capable of filling the void of Evans with his combination of speed, size, and catch radius, especially down in the red zone, and with Baker Mayfield's mentality, Hurst will get every opportunity to prove his worth, but with being buried on the depth chart, he is primarily a pick in dynasty and deep leagues only.--Matt Donnelly