2024 third-round pick Jalen McMillan was thrust into a large role with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the back half of last year, bursting onto the scene in a big way. The 23-year-old has continued his success into training camp, with head coach Todd Bowles paying close attention.
Bowles was asked about how the young wide receiver has looked throughout training camp after the Buccaneers’ joint practice with the Tennessee Titans on Thursday.
“[McMillan’s] not just out there running routes. He’s working on something every play,” Bowles said. “From a mental standpoint, I think he’s had a heck of a camp.”
The glowing review from his coach proves that McMillan’s successful rookie season wasn’t a fluke. Making an impact took time last season, but with a full year now under his belt, McMillan looks to have a great connection with Baker Mayfield, and a confident attitude to go along with it.
McMillan Is Ready to Take on an Even Bigger Role if Necessary
Chris Godwin’s ankle injury, which he suffered back in 2024, could keep him off the field to begin the regular season. The potential for added responsibility doesn’t scare Jalen McMillan, who’s eager to take on whatever challenge faces him.
“I’m really just focused on making my plays and doing what the coaches need me to do,” McMillan said. “Obviously, [Godwin] not being here sucks, but he’s in the building every day. He’s involved heavily, and we’re ready for him when he’s back.”
According to offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, attention to detail at practice has been a big reason for McMillan’s success, even looking back to 2024. The confidence he gained by executing drills and new ideas on the practice field made the game come much easier.
With Godwin and Mike Evans both missing time in 2024, McMillan was forced to showcase his ability to be a main target in the offense. After coming away with 50 or more yards and a touchdown through his last five games, the expectations surrounding the young wideout have grown.
#Bucs OC Josh Grizzard on Jalen McMillan:
“The goal now is to continue where he left off, and now be someone that we can rely on and get the ball in his hands as much as possible.” pic.twitter.com/38lg3zlMJ0
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) February 6, 2025
Tampa Bay brought in wide receiver Emeka Egbuka in the first round of the draft this offseason to help solidify the room, but McMillan is set on maintaining his role in the offense and taking another step up in 2025.
McMillan’s Offseason Goal Was to Put on Weight and Become Stronger
Coming out of college, Jalen McMillan had a dynamic skill set, focused on utilizing his 4.47 speed to get open at all three levels. This offseason, the 23-year-old decided to train harder and eat better, hoping to put on a few pounds of muscle and add new elements to his game.
After the first day of practice back on July 23, McMillan could already notice a difference in how he was playing. The extra weight and muscle he put on in the offseason was already doing wonders.
“You get to be more creative with your releases and your blocking, and the coaches trust you,” McMillan said. “If you get more involved in the run game, you get more involved in the pass game. I want to be a player that can do everything.”
“I’m not really getting pushed around. I’m making my blocks well, and I’m just really happy with how my body’s forming.”
Adding on the ability to be a consistent blocker in the run game, as well as battling defensive backs better at the line and at the catch point, could truly turn McMillan into one of the most versatile wide receivers in the league.
