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There are not many greater minds when it comes to watching the tape and evaluating talent than Greg Cosell of NFL Films. Cosell, who has twice been on the Pewter Report Podcast as a guest, was talking about the Bucs recently while appearing on the Ross Tucker Football Podcast.
This episode of Tucker’s show focused on previewing the NFC South division and the conversation finished with Cosell talking about the winner of the last three division titles – the Bucs. While talking about Tampa Bay – a team that has made the postseason four years in a ro w – it was actually a new player that Cosell is most fond of.
Greg Cosell Is High On Bucs Rookie WR Jalen McMillan
“I love Jalen McMillan, the kid they drafted out of Washington with the their third pick, the wide receiver,” Greg Cosell said. “He was hurt somewhat last year for the Huskies. (It) would not surprise me if he becomes their third receiver.”
“I love Jalen McMillan the kid they got out of Washington…”@GregCosell thinks there is a good chance a rookie 3rd round pick emerges as the #3 WR in Tampa: pic.twitter.com/7rj0354b5E
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) June 30, 2024
Getting the seal of approval from Cosell shouldn’t be taken lightly as he’s a revered football mind in the industry. McMillan has turned heads so far in the limited amount of practices that have been able to be watched at OTAs and mini-camp.
His athleticism has been fully on display, making great plays to catch the ball, and a majority of his receptions have all come in different spots – flanker, split end and in the slot. On one play it’ll be a go route down the field, the next it’s a post over the middle.
Jalen McMillan has also been able to get the job done with several quarterbacks. Whether it was the quarterbacks at rookie mini-camp, starter Baker Mayfield or backup Kyle Trask, McMillan has found common ground with all of them. It’s not always easy for a receiver to build chemistry with several quarterbacks at once, but so far he’s been able to.
In a way McMillan is “quarterback proof,” meaning it doesn’t matter who’s throwing the ball, he’ll still make plays. It’s what made Mike Evans the best th roughout all these years playing with the likes of Mike Glennon, Josh McCown, Jameis Winston, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tom Brady and Mayfield.
NFL reporter Sara Walsh has been to these practices as well. The sentiments are all the same and that is McMillan is showing flashes of what he can be for the offense this season.
Baker Mayfield vs. Trevor Lawrence
On that episode of the Ross Tucker Football Podcast, Tucker brought up an interesting point saying it was a bargain for the Bucs in comparing the production and contract between what Baker Mayfield was given right before the start of the offseason with the new extension that Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence signed recently.
Mayfield’s new deal is three years for $100 million with $50 million guaranteed. Lawrence has agreed to a five-year deal worth $275 million with $200 million guaranteed in it. Tucker asked Greg Cosell if he though t there was a big difference between Mayfield and Lawrence:
“Not at this moment in time, no,” Cosell answered. “And I studied Lawrence really hard this year and I talked to some coaches about him. What I saw on tape is exactly what coaches said because they’re watching tape, too. What quarterbacks get from a money standpoint is not really relevant because that’s just what the market bears. That’s the way it works – the next guy gets paid.
“It’s just the way it works, you can’t use that as a reflection of what they are as quarterbacks at this given moment. I think someone like Trevor Lawrence, I think there’s more to him. Can he get to that? That remains to be seen. I think Baker is kind of what he is and he can be very good at that.”
The Bucs and Jaguars went up against each other last season in Tampa on Christmas Eve, as the Bucs dominated the Jaguars, 30-12, as Tampa Bay scored the first 30 points of the game. Mayfield completed 26-of-35 passes for 283 yards and two touchdowns.
It was surprising that Lawrence even played since he was coming off some serious injuries and that undoubtedly impacted him that day as he went 17-of-29 for 211 yards with one touchdown, two interceptions and was sacked three times.
Tampa Bay and Jacksonville don’t play each other in the regular season this year, but they will have a joint training camp session in Jacksonville along with a preseason game.
Check out the whole episode of the Ross Tucker Football Podcast that previews the NFC South division for this season coming up.
More must-reads:
- Browns have major injury concern on offense after starter exits game
- Falcons HC speaks out after offensive starter gets carted off practice field with concerning injury
- The '2024-25 NFL rushing touchdown leaders' quiz
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The Dallas Stars have had many defining moments in their history, but few symbolize loyalty and leadership like Mike Modano's contract extension in the early 2000s. On August 21, 2003, the Stars officially locked up their franchise icon with an extension that cemented his role as the face of hockey in Texas. The move wasn't just about keeping a superstar forward, it was about keeping the identity of the Stars firmly tied to one of the most respected players in the game. Mike Modano's extension showed his loyalty and lasting impact on the Dallas Stars At the time, speculation lingered about whether Modano might test the waters elsewhere. Instead, he reaffirmed his commitment to Dallas, the franchise that had drafted him first overall back in 1988 when they were still the Minnesota North Stars. "This team, this city, it means everything to me. Staying here was the only choice that felt right," Modano said during the press conference announcing the deal. Those words resonated with fans, as his decision represented stability during an era when star players often left in search of bigger contracts. The extension also ensured that Modano would continue climbing the NHL record books in a Stars uniform. He went on to become the all-time American-born leader in goals and points, a record that defined his Hall of Fame career. Looking back, the August 21 signing stands as a cornerstone moment in Dallas Stars history. I think it was one of the smartest moves the franchise ever made, keeping Modano in green not only secured wins on the ice but also preserved a legacy that still inspires players today.
Trevon Diggs sends a simple yet slightly cryptic message that has Cowboys Nation speculating ahead of roster cuts
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