Prior to the 2021 NFL draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made sure their star quarterback was up to date with all of his plans, from passing an early pick to a quarterback (Kyle Trask of Florida in the second round). ), or help them watch the film from great audience perspectives.
In this case, we can assume that when the Bucs traded in the fourth round for Jaelon Darden of North Texas, it was a move that had Brady’s seal of approval.
Now that Darden is within reach, Brady makes sure to give him all the hands-on tutorials he needs to quickly become another trusted target in Tampa Bay’s star offense.
“The first time I met him after the draft, I was surprised,” Darden recently told Peter King of NBC Sports. “He said,‘ Hey Jaelon. Glad to have you on the team. I studied your film. What an honor. Then it took me a while to teach myself how to win against hedges. Like “When the corner hits you here, I’ll have the ball at that exact spot.” Every day I put on my hard hat, work and learn ”.
Brady understands the challenges newcomer receivers face and is doing his best to make the transition as smooth as possible for his new teammate.
“It’s really hard for a rookie NFL receiver,” Brady told King. “Everything is new. You have a play, then I change the play, then I look at you and I change the course, then I see a defense we weren’t necessarily talking about. Every play I have, hey that’s what I’m thinking. And you have to have someone who can take the criticism.
Darden has shown flashes throughout the training camp and preseason, and while he’s more likely to see most of his action as a special team debutant, injuries could quickly lead him to a more prominent role. on the offensive.
If that happens, Brady makes sure he hits the ground.