A couple years removed from the devastating ACL-MCL tear that prematurely ended his 2021 campaign, Buccaneers' wide receiver Chris Godwin is lighting up the practice fields at the AdventHealth Training Center during Training Camp. In this year's ramp up to the 2024 slate, Godwin has made his presence felt, whether in the quick passing game on comebacks/curls, or down the boundary on deep routes. His play style and mentality sets the tone between the hashes. In Liam Coen's reimagined offense, Godwin will revert back to his primary role in the slot but has the versatility to line up on the outside in custom sets.
"I've had a lot of success there [slot] in the previous four years before last year," noted Godwin. "So, I think it feels good to be back in there. It gives me a lot of versatility. But, I think, situationally and formationally, I might end up outside sometimes, back to what I was doing before. But also, I think that we have a lot of good guys, too. We have a really great room. We've got a couple of vets in me and Mike [Evans] and 'Shep' (Sterling Shepard), and we've got a bunch of young guys that are hungry and ready to step up and make some plays. I think you saw a lot of that today."
Coen, the Buccaneers' new offensive coordinator, was the Rams' assistant wide receivers coach in 2019 when wide receiver Cooper Kupp had his breakout year and Coen will utilize Godwin in a similar 'F' role that Kupp played.
Godwin showcased how productive he can be in that aforementioned role between the 2020-22 seasons. He was in the slot 51% of his snaps in 2020, 53% in 2021 and 60% in 2022. During those three seasons, Godwin ranked fifth in the NFL in receptions per game (6.5) and ninth in receiving yards per game (72.3). The Bucs used a new approach with Godwin last season, only positioning him in the slot 32% of the time and lined up tight 7% of the time. His reception total decreased from 104 in 15 games in 2022 to 83 in 17 games in 2023. However, he still accumulated 1,024 receiving yards and provided the offense with a spark in critical moments. The run-after-catch artist is working back towards his pre-injury explosion and is focused on fostering daily growth.
"I'm feeling pretty good, man," Godwin stated. "I think that any time you're coming off the injury that I did, it takes a few years to kind of get back. I've always been the type of person [where] I'm never really focused on dwelling on the past – I'm just trying to do the best I can with what I have. The last two years…two years ago, the first year off the injury, I was doing pretty good, but I could tell something was a little bit missing. Last year was a little bit better, so this year, I'm looking to step back up again. I think only time will really tell how things play out, but I'm feeling pretty good about this year. Honestly, I'm just eager for the opportunity… I think every year, I change things up a little bit. I think if you're ever just doing the exact same things, I feel like you're kind of being complacent and I never really want to take that approach. I'm always looking for different ways to be a little bit better. That comes from recovery, training, the whole nine [yards]. Like I said, I'm excited about the year, man."
Godwin is an instinctual player and a willing blocker in the trenches. He takes advantage of a less restricted release from the slot and plays with outstanding contact balance. Godwin may not be the biggest receiver, but he plays with a competitive, physical disposition. He imposes his will with fortitude, bolstering the Buccaneers' offense. Godwin is a threat to take a crosser or screen to the house and No. 14 will play an integral role in the Bucs' 2024 retooled offensive attack.
