Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Jalen McMillan put himself in line to have a bigger role in Year 2.
After Chris Godwin suffered a dislocated ankle in Week 7 of last season, McMillan filled in, starting off slowly before excelling in the Pro Bowler's absence. McMillan generated 37 receptions for 461 yards and eight touchdowns across his entire rookie campaign, but he really came on late. He accumulated most of his numbers between Weeks 14-18, when he went on a five-game TD streak with seven scores and 316 yards on 24 receptions.
McMillan recently spoke about how he was able to settle in and make an impact to help Tampa Bay clinch its fourth consecutive NFC South title.
"I feel like last year, I was more focused on, 'How am I going to look in the future?' instead of worrying about what I wanted to accomplish in the moment," McMillan said this week, via Pewter Report. "And as y'all can see, as I focused on the moment, I did good things.
"It gave me a lot of confidence. I think it also gave me a lot of just confidence within myself, just going out on the field and feeling belonging."
The Buccaneers' veteran leadership in the WR room was also a source of knowledge that could inspire confidence in McMillan. Mike Evans and Godwin, the team's top two wideouts before Godwin's injury, have 19 combined NFL seasons between them, 15 of which have gone for 1,000-plus receiving yards. When Godwin went out, McMillan could lean on their collective experience, and he made the most of his opportunities as an every-down receiver for quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Now, heading into his second campaign with a full, true offseason to prepare, McMillan has an idea of what part of his game he would like to improve on.
"Just be where my feet are, [have] intent with all my actions," McMillan said. "Definitely [to] get stronger, get faster, get smarter, just keep my circle tight. I think I was on a great run last year so just continuing that and not falling off."
McMillan has used organized team activities to work on his craft. The Buccaneers have also used the offseason to strengthen their WR corps. Tampa Bay re-signed Godwin, brought back veteran Sterling Shepard and used its first-round pick on Emeka Egbuka out of Ohio State. The Bucs also took a flyer on Oregon's Tez Johnson in Round 7.
With Evans and a healthy Godwin sitting atop the depth chart, the WR3 role has competition in offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard's first year. Despite the return of Shepard and two rookies being selected in April's draft, McMillan is focused on what he can control, which is to continue taking advantage of his chances this summer and throughout the regular season.
"I'm just looking forward to making the most of my opportunities," he said. "I'm not really worried about any three, four, five, six spots. I'm just worried about when the ball comes my way -- make the play."
