Jalen McMillan's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan continues to draw positive reviews out of training camp, this time coming directly from quarterback Baker Mayfield and head coach Todd Bowles. The third-round pick out of Washington saw his draft stock take a hit following a 559-yard season in 2023, but he has exceeded expectations early in his career. "He's a guy that runs so smooth," Mayfield said. "He does some things at the top of his routes -- he's so friendly to the ball -- that veterans do." Bowles, who doesn't go out of his way to sugarcoat statements, echoed these statements. "He's a good football player. Since he's come in, he's making plays since Day 1," said Bowles. "He wants to be good, he wants to learn, and the receiving group loves him." These quotes are a great sign for McMillan's potential role as a rookie, but he could still have trouble becoming a fantasy-relevant option in 2024 while competing with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin for targets. Still, he's an intriguing best-ball option and late-round flier in deeper fantasy football setups.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and according to Bailey Adams of PewterReport, he's on track to be a Day 1 contributor. "McMillan may even have a chance to overtake [Trey] Palmer for the WR3 role, though Palmer is having a good offseason himself," Adams wrote. "In either case, the rookie looks like he'll help the Bucs from day one, whether he's WR3 or WR4." Mike Evans and Chris Godwin have the WR1 and WR2 roles locked down, so it will be interesting to see whether Palmer or McMillan sees more snaps early in the 2024 campaign. While sharing a field with Rome Odunze and Ja'Lynn Polk in 2022, McMillan posted 79 receptions for 1,098 yards and nine touchdowns. He regressed in his final season at Washington, but he was still productive considering the immense target competition. The 22-year-old likely has limited fantasy upside as a rookie if Evans and Godwin stay healthy, but if he flashes with limited targets, his fantasy stock could spike in dynasty and for the following season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan signed his rookie contract on Wednesday, according to NFL.com. The Washington alum was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft and is set to compete with 2023 sixth-round pick Trey Palmer for the No. 3 WR role behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. While sharing a field with Rome Odunze and Ja'Lynn Polk, McMillan caught 124 passes for 1,657 yards and 14 touchdowns over his final two collegiate seasons. He outproduced Polk in 2022 but regressed and became the No. 3 receiver in 2023. Regardless, the 22-year-old flashed upside and earned Day 2 draft capital, so he could be a fantasy football sleeper at some point in his career. For now, he has limited upside in a crowded wide receiver group.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan drew the praise of wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon, according to PewterReport. McClendon told the media that he likes the rookie's flexibility to play outside or in the slot, and he also feels fortunate that McMillan fell to Tampa Bay in the third round. These comments suggest that not only did Tampa Bay grade McMillan higher than where he was picked, but they also intend to get him involved right away. He's currently projected to compete with Trey Palmer for the No. 3 wide receiver role, but he might have an early leg up on that competition given his versatility in the passing attack. He's a riser in most dynasty rookie drafts but isn't quite on the fantasy radar in most redraft leagues.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer had a good rookie season in 2023 considering his draft status and with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in front of him, but he has far from secured the No. 3 spot in an offensive system that is sure to be 11-personnel heavy in his second season. However, Palmer should be a lock for the active roster out of training camp, as should rookie Jalen McMillan, who the Buccaneers spent a Day 2 pick on in a deep receiver class. Palmer and McMillan are expected to battle for the No. 3 job in training camp this summer. With Godwin expected to move back into the slot in 2024, Palmer may struggle to match his rookie numbers (39 catches, 385 yards, three touchdowns), especially if McMillan impresses.