Analysis from different view.

So Joe has heard other offensive players talk about Ted Hurst, as well as Bucs coaches, specifically Bucs coach Todd Bowles.

But Joe wanted a different perspective. A different player’s angle. A veteran player’s view. So why not a defensive player?

So Joe sought out Bucs inside linebacker Alex Anzalone. He’s not a guy known for hyperbole. He’s seen a lot in his days so he’s not quick to jump on bandwagons.

So Joe hit Anzalone with a question: What does he see from the rookie wide receiver from the football hotbed known as Georgia State?

“Yeah, he’s starting to come alive a little bit,” Anzalone told Joe shortly after he walked out of the Bucs’ walk-in meat locker they have for training camp right near the players’ entrance ot One Buc Palace.

“The best thing he has [going for him] is the 50/50 balls. That’s definitely starting to show. And I’m sure the front office is happy.”

Yeah, when it appears you hit on a third-round draft pick, that tends to get people raises and job security.

Joe told Anzalone, while Hurst doesn’t look anything like Chris Godwin, Hurst reminds Joe of Godwin in that just like Godwin, Hurst makes contested catches look routine.

“Yeah, I think he has natural hands,” Anzalone said. “And you can tell the way he comes down with those 50/50 balls.”

But Anzalone was level-headed about Hurst. While it’s nice Hurst is showing promise in August, he’s several steps away from being a polished NFL stud.

“He still has a lot of growing to do,” Anzalone said. “So much of offense is alignment and making sure you are in the right place at the right time. That’s difficult for young receivers.

“So I think as he continues to grow in that regard, he will be even better.”

Still, Joe remembers when Mike Evans was a self-described fat rookie in training camp. Even then he was making plays where he looked like a man among boys.

Hurst isn’t there yet. So the comparisons to Evans really aren’t fair to Hurst. But thus far with the first worthless preseason game in a few days, Hurst is sure demonstrating he’s got a lot to work with.