As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gear up for training camp next week, all eyes will be on the receiving corps. Key questions surround Chris Godwin’s injury status, the potential role of rookie Emeka Egbuka, and Mike Evans’ bid for another 1,000-yard season.
And then there’s Jalen McMillan, the guy nobody is talking about.
The second-year receiver ended last season on a high note, and with sufficient playing time, he could take his game to new heights in 2025.
Bucs’ new OC Josh Grizzard was pressed by Ronde Barber on “The Ronde Barber Show” to name an offensive player who needs to step up this season. After initially dodging the question, Grizzard ultimately pointed to McMillan.
“I think that where (McMillan) left last season and the progress he showed on and off the field, and you could see that carry over into the spring with not having Chris out there and bringing Emeka along and him showing Emeka the ropes — then his ability to just do that and be himself and really just take off where he left off, then I think that would be huge if we were just going to actually circle one,” Grizzard stated, via JoeBucsFan. “But you know how it is, at the end of the day, it takes all 11. And he’s in a good spot.”
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McMillan’s stats for the season included 37 receptions for 461 yards and eight touchdowns. After a typical rookie adjustment period, he found his groove down the stretch. Over the final five games, McMillan exploded with seven touchdowns, 316 receiving yards, and 24 catches.
But for the return of Chris Godwin – whose season-opening availability is still uncertain – and the addition of first-round rookie Emeka Egbuka, McMillan would be a popular pick to take a big leap in production in 2025. Last season, McMillan showed significant promise when given more opportunities, hinting at a much higher ceiling.
With Godwin’s injury potentially lingering and rookie Egbuka needing time to adjust, McMillan has an opportunity to earn playing time early in training camp and potentially into the regular season.
As Mike Evans approaches the later stages of his career, the Buccaneers have invested in future talent with their last two drafts to prevent a downturn at receiver when he eventually retires. If McMillan and Egbuka develop into a dominant duo, it would be a notable achievement for GM Jason Licht.
Watch the entire video via WFLA’s YouTube channel below.
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