Two names immediately come to mind when it comes to wide receivers on the Buccaneers, and the position’s importance to their recent success. Beyond Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, however, there have of course been important secondary wideouts who have contributed to Tampa’s prolific passing attack.
At times during his career, Scotty Miller has been one such ancillary player. Part of the Bucs’ highly-rated 2019 draft class, he showcased his ability as a deep threat during his rookie season. He made only 13 catches, but averaged an impressive 15.4 yards per reception, setting him up for a more productive second campaign. With Tom Brady at QB, and despite Evans, Godwin and Antonio Brown serving as competition for targets, he took a significant step forward.
The former sixth-rounder recorded five starts in 2020, and added more volume to his production while maintaining the high yards-per-catch element of his game (33 receptions, 501 yards). His play carried over into the team’s Super Bowl run, including a touchdown catch in the NFC title game. Especially after Brown’s midseason departure, expectations were raised for Miller in 2021, but he wasn’t able to live up to them.
The Bowling Green alum made a total of just 10 catches between the regular season and playoffs. That disappointing figure, coupled in part with the extension given to Godwin, could leave Miller’s roster spot in jeopardy. Greg Auman of The Athletic writes that Miller’s future is currently “all over the map” (subscription required). He could find himself handling the No. 4 role (while also contributing on special teams), but could also wind up on the wrong side of Tampa’s roster crunch at the end of training camp. As Auman notes, Miller could find himself battling 2021 fourth-rounder Jaelon Darden and undrafted rookie Deven Thomkins for as little as one spot on the final squad.
To a far greater extent than many would have anticipated after his 2020 performance, Miller figures to be a key player to watch this summer.
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