Chris Godwin Raves About Jalen McMillan

March 12th, 2025

Support from a key teammate.

Mike Evans is a big fan of Bucs receiver Jalen McMillan. And Chris Godwin explained why he is, too.

Yesterday at One Buc Palace, Joe was among the assembled liking how cool it was the way Godwin detailed why he has high hopes for McMillan, now entering his second year in Tampa.

“The way that he turned it on at the end of the season, it was amazing,” Godwin said. “It was crazy to see. I feel like I’ve never seen anybody have so many wide-open touchdowns. It was unreal to see his growth from the beginning of the season to the end, and his level of comfort. It was very cool.

“I’m extremely excited about his future, about what he can turn into, because he’s really a great kid. I say kid like I’m old, I’m 29 years old, what am I talking about?

“He’s a great guy. It’s funny, when he got here, one of the first things he said to me was, ‘I can’t believe I’m on a team with Chris Godwin.’ I was like, ‘What are you talking about? I feel like I just got here.’ I’m a kid just like him.”

McMillan was constantly peppering Godwin with questions, Godwin said, addding he was only happy to help out.

“I’m happy to give advice,” Godwin said. “To see him be able to bloom the way he did at the end of the year, it really makes me excited for the contributions that he can give this upcoming season.”

If Godwin is not ready to rock by Week 1, he said McMillan is one reason why he won’t be concerned about the offense.

After catching a touchdown pass in his first game with the Bucs, Week 1 against Washington, McMillan sort of went into hiding. He emerged with a bang.

Beginning in Week 14 in a 28-13 Bucs win over Las Vegas, McMillan had a pair of touchdown catches. He then had at least one touchdown catch in every game the rest of the regular season.

If McMillan can keep up that crazy pace, he’d be a lock to become a Pro Bowler, just like Godwin.

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22 Responses to “Chris Godwin Raves About Jalen McMillan”

  1. Baker Bowl Says:

    Loved JMAC coming out (we got the best Washington receiver, and took him after the other 2), still really want to see Trey Palmer get his time, hopefully he can break a couple plays open in the preseason like Victor Cruz a while back. He deserves it, best receiver on that 2019 LSU team.

  2. PewterStiffArm Says:

    He needs about 10 to 15 pounds to really dominate. Stronger defensive backs will push him around. Add muscle, enhance speed and crisper routes, for an amazing recipe for additional success. I hear he is also a good kid that takes well to instruction from other players.

  3. First Last Says:

    I unfortunately think the offensive playbook was difficult last year which is why we saw less production from Trey Palmer. If him and McMillan both do well the beginning of the year I think we will be fine

  4. gbobucsfan Says:

    It will be an interesting year….ME13 will look to get 1K, again. Then you have CG wanting to earn his paycheck. Palmer and JM looking to contribute as well. Oh, not to mention Cade, Bucky and Chaad White.

  5. Jeff Says:

    His frame is so slight. Kid needs some muscles. JM will have a nice career as a #3 starter. Nothing wrong with that.

  6. gofortheface30 Says:

    All you nerds probably said the same thing about Devonta Smith. Nobody pushes him around. Is Justin Jefferson getting pushed around. Does Tyler Locket get pushed around? Happy to name many more examples. Just stop. Receivers nowadays know how to get down instead of absorbing a big hit, and the game is basically 7 on 7 comparative to the 90’s. And even THEN guys like Andre Rison was 190 pounds soaking wet. Jerry Rice Prob couldnt bench more than 275. Leave the scouting up to the scouts..

  7. BigPoppaBuc Says:

    Love JMac. Love Chris/Mike. I STILL think we should be open to drafting a WR. We’ve proven in the past how valuable depth at this position can be.

  8. sethery Says:

    McMillian is going to do great things. he’s got that x factor.

    and I agree with what First Last said… Palmer didn’t get utilized in the El Serpiente’s Book of Dinks and Dunks… but King Grizzard the Lizard Wizard has talked about going long and explosive plays and I think Palmer’s speed is going to give him a role in that and I hope he has a breakout year!

  9. Teacherman Says:

    He definitely needs to put on muscle. His knees were a little wobbly. He needs to work his tail off this off-season. Don’t pull a “Tyler Johnson” and take your first off-season.

    There are no “off-seasons” in the NFL. In fact, the “off-season” is when players evolve.

    Palmer also needs to put on weight. Rakim Jarrett is fine. He’s a rock!

    If we add another WR in the first 3 rounds, I wouldn’t be mad.

    For me, this draft can help us create a true dynasty.

    We can build insane depth this draft if we are smart.

    I hate starting rookies. I think 90% of NFL rookies need a “red shirt” season to acclimate to the NFL.

    We have ALL of our starters returning. Which is insane!

    We replaced JTS with Reddick. Great!

    We replaced Whitehead with Tykes Smith. Great!

    Izien is a legit nickle. He’s a former starter.

    So what do we draft?

    Klein is our backup guard. Not bad. Skule our backup tackle.

    Not bad.

    Dennis could start next to David. Not bad.

    Funky Funkmaster looked like he has potential.

    Hayes got some good experience.

    So what do we need?

    I say depth on the D-line.

    A DT/DE who can backup Kancey, Vea and Hall.

    An ILB to learn behind David and push Dennis.

    A CB to learn behind Dean and Zion.

    An elite swing tackle to backup Wirfs and Goedeke. (Backup tackles can cost you a Super Bowl!)

    Another WR. Evans and Godwin are old. Let’s be smart!

    Safety? I see no need.
    TE? I see no need.
    OLB? I see no need. Maybe if a freak is available in round 5.

  10. BillyBucco Says:

    You guys act like JMAC isn’t already at least the 2nd best route runner behind Godwin. Why do you think Godwin was amazed how open he was. That doesn’t happen by mistake. You guys sell players short too quick.
    JMAC could turn into a Hall of Famer who knows.

  11. Aqualung Says:

    Jmac finished the regular season strong but he came into the playoff game like a special needs deer in the headlights. Dropped an easy, critical catch early and then botched his route and timing on the jet sweep that led to Baker’s fumble. He needs some more growth regarding mental toughness and attention to detail before I’m sold.

  12. Vanessa Anne Says:

    Jmac and Palmer could both do outstanding this coming year.

    Josh Grizzard has said he’ll be looking to throw deep more often than Liam Coen did last year.

    I noticed JMac’s ability as a route runner and to get down the field last year.

    He wasn’t perfect; obviously a rookie. Needs to finesse it a bit. And yes, he could maybe put on a few pounds. But, he definitely found his confidence in himself during the final games of the season.

    Palmer just needs a chance to show what he can do. I hope it happens this year.

  13. miken Says:

    and we got J mac for 1 year of carlton davis. Pretty damn good.

  14. Mike C Says:

    If he puts in the “boring ” work this off season, it could be really exciting this year.

  15. Jake been there since the beginning Says:

    McMillan, I already knew about 2022 and all that. I said what when they drafted him. He has a lot of skills they gotta open him up with all of intel and just a couple run throughs Bam. Love him!! Remember Michael Clayton the first year? Well this guy’s better…

  16. orlbucfan Says:

    Michael Clayton was an extremely good receiver his rookie year. He was mentioned often in ORTY talk. His second year, Chucky got a hair up his butt about this guy. Clayton then sustained a season ending injury on a defensive dirty hit by Detroit in Detroit. Gruden got rid of him as soon as he, Chucky the ahole could. Let’s get a few facts straight. McMillan is in coaching paradise compared to what Clayton endured. Go look it up.

  17. FilthyAnimal Says:

    orlbucfan Says:
    March 12th, 2025 at 3:52 pm

    Michael Clayton was an extremely good receiver his rookie year (…) Gruden got rid of him as soon as he, Chucky the ahole could. Let’s get a few facts straight.

    Be careful about telling other people to get facts straight… FYI, Gruden didn’t get rid of Clayton. He survived a year or two of Raheem before moving onto NYG.

  18. FilthyAnimal Says:

    BillyBucco Says:
    March 12th, 2025 at 12:05 pm

    JMAC could turn into a Hall of Famer who knows.

    The guy isn’t even a starter and his body doesn’t look like he could survive as a legit outside receiver. But he could be a HOFer. I mean, yeah, I guess. He’s very good. I am glad we have him, but I’m not ordering the gold jacket yet, even if they’re on sale at 90% off. 🙂

  19. orlbucfan Says:

    Hey fillthy animal, get your facts straights. This is the first time I’ve seen you on here. So, you know less than I do about the Bucs, yahoo.

  20. Aqualung Says:

    orlbuc – Clayton was a Buccaneer through September 2010. He came in his 2nd year out of shape, didn’t put the work in and wasn’t the brightest bulb. Gruden stuck with him. Probably should have launched him. After Dominik gave him a bag of $25million, Clayton said the now infamous “check is in the bank.”

    It’s easy to find on the internet.

  21. FilthyAnimal Says:

    orlbucfan Says:
    March 12th, 2025 at 8:18 pm

    Hey fillthy animal, get your facts straights. This is the first time I’ve seen you on here. So, you know less than I do about the Bucs, yahoo.

    Well, your facts were wrong, smart guy. Try google to confirm.

    I’ve been around here a long time, a Bucs fan for much much longer, and my memory for details is pretty good.

    GO look at the googles… You’ll find that I am correct and you were wrong. Sorry dude.

  22. FilthyAnimal Says:

    orlbucfan Says:
    March 12th, 2025 at 8:18 pm

    So, you know less than I do about the Bucs, yahoo.

    Classic. You have no idea who you’re even talking to. But I can guarantee you this statement is a joke.

 

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