Have the Bucs found another gem at wide receiver in McMillan?

Finding what most pass over

The obvious choices aren’t always the studs on any given Sunday. In every draft, there are those that slipped in under the radar. Dan Marino, Tom Brady, Terrell Davis, and Shannon Sharpe are just a few of the hidden gems that have been discovered by NFL GMs over the years. The Buccaneers’ Jason Licht has made a good living finding some of those rare gems. Whether it is a small college, offensive lineman, or later-round grabs, even early-round selections, who are destined for Canton (Wirfs, Winfield Jr), Jason Licht has developed a keen eye for talent. For example, it was no secret that Wirfs and Winfield were talented college players. Most did not think that either would quickly become the best at their positions in short order. Licht, himself, may not have envisioned such greatness, but he pulled the trigger on both and made them Buccaneers. Other teams had the chance to pluck them up before Tampa’s turn came around. They didn’t, and our team is much better because of Lichtavision! Not a porn channel, like it may sound. Just a great eye for talent.

Jalen McMillan: Another gem about to shine?

Much has been written about McMillan’s time as a Husky at the U of Washington. So, as I like to do, here are his high school vitals from San Joaquin Memorial High, the Panthers. McMillan made 260 receptions for 5,234 yards and 54 touchdowns in 50 career games, helping the Panthers to a 12-2 record and the 2019 CIF Division 1-A North Regional finals. He was named to the CalHiSports all-state first team following his senior year and ranked the No. 19 player in the West by the Orange Country Register. He tallied 1,644 yards and 12 touchdowns on 89 receptions as a senior, 1,401 yards and 19 TDs as a junior, and 1,810 yards and 21 TDs as a sophomore. He was named CalHiSports.com’s Sophomore of the Year, rated the No. 38 overall prospect and No. 8 wide receiver in the country, as well as the No. 6 recruit in California, by 247Sports, rated by Rivals.com as the No. 84 player and No. 13 receiver in the nation. There’s more, but you get the picture. For all his accolades, it’s hard to believe a limited Senior season due to injury erased McMillan from first and second-round consideration in NFL Exec’s minds. Jason Licht hadn’t forgotten, and when he had fallen to the Bucs in the third round (92nd pick), Licht made him a Buccaneer. And, just a few months later, the team released its first depth chart of the regular 2024 season, revealing the new WR3 for week one, a rookie from the U of Washington.

 It remains to be seen where McMillan’s fortunes will lead him. His indicators say his future is bright. It remains to be seen if he will be considered a surefire HOF candidate when his rookie contract is up like two of his teammates were. Something in-between wouldn’t be too shabby, either. Bring on the season. Go Bucs!!