Is Buccaneers Jalen McMillan the Real Deal?

I have cautioned before about buying too much into Buccaneers training camp hype. It can be very misleading to see a guy ball out in camp or practice and conclude they will have a big year. However, to discount camp entirely would also be stupid.

There is a middle ground to be found. And in that middle ground, you will find a Jalen McMillan hype train. If you manage to convince Josh Quiepo that you’re worth paying attention to based only on camp, you have my attention. So, why should we get excited about McMillan.

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McMillan is the beneficiary of having one of the strongest arms throwing him the ball in Michael Penix at Washington. I’m not breaking new ground here. Everyone knows that Penix is so good. He was so good that Atlanta sacrificed their own credibility as a smart FO by drafting him at 7. Not saying that McMillan is a Penix merchant for the record but it is important to provide context. And also, when you’re in a WR room with guys going in the early first and second (Rome Odunze and Ja’lynn Polk), it can be hard to stand out. Which is why it is impressive he ended his career at Washington with the second most touchdowns out of those big three. Granted, McMillan had one more year than Polk and only had one more TD (17 to 16).

In his draft profile, it is noted he has good route running abilities and great hands, but does also mention that he could be a product of his situation. And that is very important to figure out.