Buccaneers Player Spotlight Week One vs Commanders: WR Jalen McMillan

One of the most talked about players all offseason, I’m expecting McMillan to have a large role against Washington and an unimpressive outside CB group this Sunday.
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Despite predominantly playing in the slot at Washington last year, in large part due to having top 50 picks Rome Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk on the outside, McMillan looks to be an outside presence in new OC Liam Coen’s offense, as Chris Godwin mans the slot in the new look scheme.  Although reps were very scarce in preseason, McMillan logged 56% of his snaps out wide, while Godwin logged 66% of his in the slot.  That would indicate that Godwin is likely matched up with impressive rookie inside corner Mike Sainristil on Sunday, while McMillan looks to feast on a combination of Michael Davis, Benjamin St. Juste, and struggling 2nd year player Emmanuel Forbes out wide.  That entire group is ripe for the picking, especially on the type of beaters Coen will install against a Cover 1 and Cover 3 predominant Dan Quinn defense.

Although last years WR3 Trey Palmer looks ready to suit up after a few full practices logged before Sunday, he was banged up heading into the week and I’d expect him to maybe have an end around touch or two but for McMillan to largely operate as WR3 in 11 personnel (3 WR, 1 RB, 1 TE) formations.  What we know from Coen (and Sean McVay offenses) is that they love running 3 receiver sets, and that was fully evident in the preseason, with Tampa Bay running 83% of all their plays in 11 personnel.  The only two teams above them?  McVay and the Rams themselves and the Falcons (with former Rams QB coach Zac Robinson as OC).

Given the matchup and usage this looks like a prime game for McMillan to burst on the scene and prove to everyone he’s not just your normal rookie.  I think he can garner around 5 catches for 45-ish yards and a potential touchdown to top it all off.  Not bad for a 3rd round pick.

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Buccaneers Player Spotlight Week One vs Commanders: WR Jalen McMillan

Carter Donnick
·
September 8, 2024

Despite predominantly playing in the slot at Washington last year, in large part due to having top 50 picks Rome Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk on the outside, McMillan looks to be an outside presence in new OC Liam Coen’s offense, as Chris Godwin mans the slot in the new look scheme.  Although reps were very scarce in preseason, McMillan logged 56% of his snaps out wide, while Godwin logged 66% of his in the slot.  That would indicate that Godwin is likely matched up with impressive rookie inside corner Mike Sainristil on Sunday, while McMillan looks to feast on a combination of Michael Davis, Benjamin St. Juste, and struggling 2nd year player Emmanuel Forbes out wide.  That entire group is ripe for the picking, especially on the type of beaters Coen will install against a Cover 1 and Cover 3 predominant Dan Quinn defense.

Although last years WR3 Trey Palmer looks ready to suit up after a few full practices logged before Sunday, he was banged up heading into the week and I’d expect him to maybe have an end around touch or two but for McMillan to largely operate as WR3 in 11 personnel (3 WR, 1 RB, 1 TE) formations.  What we know from Coen (and Sean McVay offenses) is that they love running 3 receiver sets, and that was fully evident in the preseason, with Tampa Bay running 83% of all their plays in 11 personnel.  The only two teams above them?  McVay and the Rams themselves and the Falcons (with former Rams QB coach Zac Robinson as OC).

Given the matchup and usage this looks like a prime game for McMillan to burst on the scene and prove to everyone he’s not just your normal rookie.  I think he can garner around 5 catches for 45-ish yards and a potential touchdown to top it all off.  Not bad for a 3rd round pick.