Buccaneers add some juice to offense with addition of Washington WR Jalen McMillan in the third round

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Washington WR Jalen McMillan with the 92nd overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

After addressing roster needs with the pickup of center/guard Graham Barton, edge rusher Chris Braswell, and most recently DB Tykee Smith, the Bucs made it four for four by improving its wide receiver room with the talented young wideout. 

A to Z Sports' draft analyst James Foster ranks McMillan as his 75th best overall prospect and 14th overall wide receiver.

Jalen McMillan Scouting Report from A to Z Sports Film Room's James Foster

Strengths:

• Skilled route salesman with an impressive understanding of leverage
• Good size & play strength for a slot WR
• Meticulous footwork & lateral fluidity to separate
• Easy speed adjustments to set up his breaks
• Fully extends & catches away from his frame
• Uses hands to wipe & extend vertical separation
• Sufficient speed to threaten vertically from the slot
• Uses rocker steps at the top of the route to freeze flat-footed defenders

Weaknesses:

• Slim build with short arms
• Average YAC ability. Not very dynamic in open space
• Inconsistent ball-skills/focus when his catch space is restricted
• 12 drops over the last 2 seasons
• Should be more consistent sustaining blocks
• Didn't face much press coverage at Washington

McMillan is speed from the slot.  The 6'1", 197-pound wideout was fourth among all Power Five wideouts going back to 2022 in total receiving yards out of the slot with 1446, according to Pro Football Focus. Although he was limited by injury some in 2023, he had a strong 2022 season with the Huskies, where he posted 79 catches for 1098 yards and 9 touchdowns.

With a 4.47 40-yard dash, he gives the Bucs another element of good speed on the field.  Although he played largely in the slot in college, he has the length to play outside as well. With his alignment versatility, speed, and explosiveness, McMillan should be able to step in and make an impact quickly alongside Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.