Baker Mayfield hypes up Buccaneers secret weapon in 2024

Going into the 2024 NFL Draft, there was a lot of talk about those University of Washington guys. The Huskies had some serious talent coming out this year, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were fortunate to get in on the action when they selected wide receiver Jalen McMillan in the third round.

Now that we're into the thick of training camp, too, it's looking like the Bucs made a heck of a pick in McMillan. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has not been able to hide his appreciation and admiration for the rookie wide receiver.

On Tuesday's Inside Training Camp Live on NFL Network, Mayfield wanted to let the people know just how good McMillan is:

"You're watching (Ja’Lynn) Polk, you're watching (Rome) Odunze. What people don't realize, he was their leading guy in '22 before he got hurt. And so, for him to get back to true form -- he's a stud."

With a threat like Mike Evans on the outside, plus the speed and versatility of Rachaad White, you now add in the quickness and elusiveness of McMillan and this offense could be quite explosive. Not to mention, you've still got other guys like Chris Godwin, rookie running back Bucky Irving and wide receiver Trey Palmer.

Jalen McMillan could ultimately be the reason Tampa Bay says goodbye to Chris Godwin

The Bucs were able to re-sign Mike Evans this offseason, of course, but Chris Godwin enters the coming season on the last year of his deal. At the moment, McMillan is doing more than enough to warrant taking Godwin's spot next season.

“He’s a guy that,” Mayfield said. “He does some things at the top of his routes — he’s so friendly to the ball — that veterans do.”

With McMillan already being talked up like that of a veteran, it feels as though the Bucs do, indeed, have a replacement for Godwin after 2024 is over. While Godwin is still a good player, when healthy, the Bucs now have both McMillan and the 2023 sixth-round pick Trey Palmer up and coming. Palmer came on strong at times during his rookie season, and if McMillan's trajectory continues, the Bucs won't have a need to go out and pay an aging Godwin.

In a league with an exploding receiver market, the Bucs are doing what they can to get ahead of the curve. Even though Godwin wouldn't command top dollar, Tampa Bay will be able to use those financial resources elsewhere. McMillan is already showing he's talented enough to become this team's WR2 as soon as next year.

For now, we'll just sit back and continue to watch the camp highlights. Keep 'em coming, Jalen.