In a season of disappointments, there were a few bright spots.

One bright spot – and hope for the future – was the success of the 2017 rookie class for the Buccaneers.

The NFL announced on Wednesday that Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 17. He is the second wide receiver to win the award in franchise history, joining teammate Mike Evans (Week 11, 2014).

Bucs WR Chris Godwin – Photo by: Mary Holt/PR

Against the New Orleans Saints, Godwin caught seven passes for 111 yards, including the game-winning 39-yard touchdown with under 10 seconds remaining. His 111 receiving yards led all NFC players in Week 17, while his seven receptions were tied for the second-most by any NFC wide receiver. Both marked career highs. Five of Godwin’s seven catches resulted in first downs, tied for the most receiving first downs by an NFC player.

Over the final two weeks of the regular season, Godwin totaled 209 receiving yards, the third-most in the NFL, while averaging 20.9 yards per catch, the highest mark in the NFC during that time. Godwin finished the season with 34 catches for 525 yards and one touchdown. His 525 yards are the third-most by a rookie wide receiver this season, while his 15.4 yards per catch led all qualified rookies (min. 32 receptions) and ranked 13th in the NFL on the year.

Godwin joins Warrick Dunn (Week 2, 1997), Mike Evans (Week 11, 2014) and Doug Martin (Week 9, 2012) as the only rookies in team history to be named NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

Godwin showed fans and coaches he was up for the challenge of replacing veteran receiver DeSean Jackson who missed the final two games with an ankle injury. Godwin wasn’t the only rookies to shine for Tampa Bay in 2017. First rounder O.J. Howard, safety Justin Evans, linebacker and Kendell Beckwith started at some point this season which bodes well for the future.

– Part of this report courtesy of the Buccaneers communications department