The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' receiving corps should garner plenty of attention when training camp opens next week: from Chris Godwin's injury status to rookie Emeka Egbuka's role to Mike Evans chasing another 1,000-yard campaign.
But don't forget about Jalen McMillan.
The second-year receiver came on strong to close last season, and if he gets enough reps, he could soar even higher in 2025.
Bucs new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard was asked on "The Ronde Barber Show" on WFLA to pick an offensive player who needs to step up this season. After Grizzard first downplayed the question, Barber pressed him for an answer. The OC went with 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 said, via Joe Bucs Fan. "But you know how it is, at the end of the day, it takes all 11. And he's in a good spot."
McMillan generated 37 catches for 461 yards with eight touchdowns. Like many mid-round rookies, it took time for the young wideout to hit his stride. Down the stretch, the third-round pick took off. In the final five games, he generated seven touchdowns, 316 yards and 24 catches.
Were it not for the Bucs bringing back Godwin -- whose availability to open the season remains cloudy -- and drafting Egbuka in the first round, McMillan would be on dang near every offseason list to make a giant leap forward in production in 2025. The wideout flashed immense upside last season when given greater opportunities.
With Godwin's injury potentially lingering and Egbuka getting his feet wet, McMillan has a chance to prove he deserves reps early in camp and into the regular season.
With Evans entering the twilight of his career, the Bucs ensured in the last two drafts that they wouldn't fall off at receiver when he eventually walks away. If McMillan and Egbuka grow into the next great Bucs duo, it would be a gaudy feather in Jason Licht's cap.
