Mocking A Receiver To The Buccaneers In Round 1
February 19th, 2025
Bucs GM Jason Licht.
So a premier NFL insider says his new 2025 mock draft is based on “doing it from talking to people, using my ears.”
Those cochlear vibrations are inside the head of NFL Network draft guru Daniel Jeremiah. He’s the former Eagles, Ravens and Browns scout who also was a college quarterback.
Jeremiah cranked out his second mock draft of this year’s silly season and placed University of Arizona junior wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan in Tampa Bay’s lap at No. 19 overall. He’s 6-5, 210 pounds and gives off some Mike Evans vibes.
But would the Bucs dare to re-sign Chris Godwin and draft McMillan?
It’s doubtful, but certainly not out of the question if the Bucs believe McMillan is a true stud to replace Mike Evans down the line. McMillan posted big numbers for usually bad Arizona teams.
In Jeremiah’s scenario, McMillan is the first receiver off the board not named Travis Hunter.
On the surface, picking McMillan might seem ludicrous, but Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht is paid to work his magic deep below the surface.
The practical side of Licht needs to consider who will be catching balls for the Bucs when it comes time to talk about renewing Baker Mayfield’s contract that expires after the 2026 season.
Yes, Joe knows all about Jalen McMillan, the Bucs’ standout rookie receiver last season. But Joe doesn’t view McMillan as a No. 1 receiver.
February 19th, 2025 at 6:15 pm
Lol, yeah ok
February 19th, 2025 at 6:17 pm
All for it if it’s BPA – Bucs need veterans to help their D imo not more draft picks to hopefully develop in the Spring and be ready day 1
He’s usually mocked in the top 7 so doubt the choice is there – now Burden on the other hand lol?
February 19th, 2025 at 6:18 pm
The Bucs won a Super Bowl with Evans, Godwin, and AB at WR.
You can never have too many good WRs.
As for this pick, I’d have zero issues with it. If there’s a run on edge rushers – then use that to your advantage and get someone that would normally go higher in other years.
Also, ideally, you want to be at least a year ahead on WRs and not have to throw them into starting lineups right away. Yeah, some work out, but most do not (although in fairness in recent years more guys player WR early).
I sort of like some of the drafts I’ve seen where the Bucs say screw it, and just load up on offense. After all, the defense gave up 16 points to the Redskins, they did their part when it mattered most, unlike Baker who fumbled the game away.
February 19th, 2025 at 6:24 pm
I was reading through a Rod Munch comment and thinking what a pleasant surprise it is not to see him bang on about Baker’s fumble, but of course, at the end it still came. Regarding the topic – if we retained Godwin, and fingers crossed no injuries to the WR room, any WR we drafted might not see the field this year. Given the way early drafted WRs have been starting early for their teams (see Nabers, Harrison Jr, Odunze, etc), I wonder if that might cause some dissatisfaction
February 19th, 2025 at 6:25 pm
” unlike Baker who fumbled the game away.”
So Rod would you like to trade Baker? What’s your point?
Seriously you’ve never made a mistake in your life. Brady threw a critical int in his final playoff game. He’s thrown pick sixes.
You came here hating on Baker from the get go and now you’re trying to defend an undefensible position. I’m too lazy to go back and get your original posts when Baker and Trask were battling in the pre season.
So if he sucks that much I’m sure you’d like to trade him. Don’t you suppose the Browns would immediately give the Bucs Garrett if the Bucs returned Baker.
Or are you truly that hard headed that you’ve never heard the saying…when you’re in a hole QUIT DIGGING. We old folks who know better are starting to feel sorry for you!
February 19th, 2025 at 6:25 pm
Defense Defense Defense. That is all.
February 19th, 2025 at 6:26 pm
Address Edge in FA and this is a great idea. Shore up our injury prone receiving unit.
February 19th, 2025 at 6:26 pm
BTW I’m genuinely curious. There have been more than just Rod slamming Baker. And this group has gone gaga over Myles Garrett.
Is there any doubt the Bucs could get Garrett from the Browns if they offered to return Baker? Perhaps a bad look PR otherwise it’s a slam dunk.
February 19th, 2025 at 6:34 pm
I had some debate over this yesterday. A pointless debate considering FA will help us dictate glaring holes left on the roster and Tetro being very unlikely to be there at 19.
I was on the that’s a luxury pick side and we need to attack D. OJ slid and we were pumped, didn’t work out when a Watt was still on the board. Falcons haven’t had any success drafting offensive studs. Tough call. In that scenario, I would hope a nice trade down offer is on the table.
If it’s not a D pick and it’s offense then I would prefer an OL to keep building through the trenches but I trust Licht and BPA is BPA. Wouldn’t be mad about a potential Evans replacement being on the roster.
February 19th, 2025 at 6:37 pm
You lost me at mock draft
February 19th, 2025 at 6:50 pm
Only way I take a WR 1st round is if McMillan somehow dropped to them which I don’t see happening. Other than that I’m going D this draft & another OL wouldn’t hurt. Maybe a G.
February 19th, 2025 at 6:50 pm
stpetebucsfan Says:
February 19th, 2025 at 6:25 pm
” unlike Baker who fumbled the game away.”
So Rod would you like to trade Baker? What’s your point?
——-
Trade Baker? I’m saying give him even more help on offense.
February 19th, 2025 at 6:52 pm
Danfan Says:
February 19th, 2025 at 6:24 pm
I was reading through a Rod Munch comment and thinking what a pleasant surprise it is not to see him bang on about Baker’s fumble, but of course, at the end it still came.
———
I’m glad you made it to the end! I aim to please – and that wasn’t nearly the bashing I’d have given even a week ago. So see, I’m calming down.
February 19th, 2025 at 6:54 pm
McMillan won’t fall that far but great pick if he did.
Good pick/Bad Pick: Licht will likely get an EDGE, CB, and MLB in FA. He’ll be free to pick BPA. Getting Evans replacement wouldn’t be a bad thing.
February 19th, 2025 at 6:54 pm
No way he makes it to 19 at all
February 19th, 2025 at 6:55 pm
If they sign Godwin no need
Draft ILB DE CB OT
February 19th, 2025 at 6:59 pm
Might as well go WR… Licht blows at picking edge rushers!
February 19th, 2025 at 7:04 pm
Things like this are why these things are trash. The weather man is right more than Jeremiah is and his hit percentage is poor (pick any weatherman). His drafts are not any better then anyone sitting at a bar or on their couch. Mock drafts are, as Patches O’Houlihan would say, are as useful as a poopy flavored diaper. No wonder he isn’t in the NFL front office anywhere.
February 19th, 2025 at 7:18 pm
Best Player Available. Period. Amen.
February 19th, 2025 at 7:21 pm
If McMillan is there, he’s probably BPA to such a degree that you take him regardless of needs. Worry about filling needs later.
…he won’t be there. But one can hope something mental like that happens!
Same with a guy like Malaki Starks (who might actually be a chance to drop – safeties sometimes do). Not as a safety either – he looks amazing in man coverage, I’d want to see him make the Jalen Ramsey transition to a man-heavy corner.
February 19th, 2025 at 7:33 pm
Blame game is on I was for sure it was Todd’s fault for whatever the problem is car don’t work Todd’s fault
February 19th, 2025 at 7:36 pm
Bucs only keep what, 5 WR’s? Evans, Godwin, JMac, Palmer….Jarret/Shep? Don’t see this.
Can’t take an ILB in 1st, probably not a CB either. Will a world-changing edge be available at 19? Not likely there either. I’m hoping we trade out of the first, get to the 2nd and 3rd where Jason shines
February 19th, 2025 at 7:37 pm
In that mock draft Starks was still available. I’d rather take him given our need to improve the secondary. Both him and McMillan would be a steal at 19 tho.
February 19th, 2025 at 7:38 pm
A wide reciever? I don’t think so, especially someone that is doomed by his parents giving him a first name no one will ever be able pronounce. Glad that isn’t his last name.
February 19th, 2025 at 7:52 pm
This depends somewhat on Godwin. However, even if Godwin re-signs, I have no doubt they’re keeping their eyes open for a future 1a/1b receiver. You can’t have too many weapons in the NFL. Defense is obviously the top need, but our offense is a potential juggernaut. Not arguing for or against, just saying it could happen. It’s still not what I’d be mocking to us at 19, but I haven’t begun looking at the draft yet.
February 19th, 2025 at 8:10 pm
I hope not. We need defense badly
February 19th, 2025 at 8:19 pm
It seems that 12 or 13 of top 20 guys are defensive guys and that is good news for Bucs. Means they get a defensive guy. Highly doubt they draft a WR in 1st round.
February 19th, 2025 at 8:19 pm
I would be OK with that pick if he was the best value on the board at pick #19.
However – I highly doubt Tetairoa McMillan will still be available when we pick.
Best move is to move back and gather more picks…
February 19th, 2025 at 8:25 pm
roberto aguayo coming on for a workout…?
🙂
February 19th, 2025 at 8:25 pm
in*
February 19th, 2025 at 8:42 pm
I don’t mind the consideration, but I don’t like to think about having to spread the ball around to so many guys. If we have Godwin and Evans they are the bell cows. If he was there take him, but trade Jalen. I would also be more inclined to draft Jeanty and trade white. Can you imagine Jeanty and Irving for at least the next 3 years (hopefully Tucker would be resigned cheap too).
February 19th, 2025 at 8:54 pm
McMillan falling to 19 would be the only way I would even remotely consider this idiotic plan. That said. McMillan won’t sniff 19. If he gets out of the top 10
I’d be utterly shocked.
February 19th, 2025 at 9:11 pm
Crazier things have happened. Licht has said they try to take the best player available in round #1. I think that still depends on need though and the Bucs need defense.
February 19th, 2025 at 9:33 pm
Aren’t they brothers?
February 19th, 2025 at 9:43 pm
@ OR Buc
“I don’t like to think about having to spread the ball around to so many guys”
We lost both our #1 and #2 WRs in game 7… #2 Never came back and #1 is not getting any younger.
We also had several other injuries to WRs during the season plus I still don’t fully trust R. Jarrett and J. Palmer or S. Shepard…
Plus don’t forget it normally takes a season or two before a WR is properly seasoned.
February 19th, 2025 at 10:00 pm
^ Agreed….i think we’ll address WR in FA…some decent vets out there.
February 19th, 2025 at 10:17 pm
REPEAT AFTER ME….BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE!!!
February 19th, 2025 at 10:23 pm
Marine Buc
I understand the logic, but I wouldn’t use a 1st round draft pick on an already 3 deep position group. FA or later round draft picks. I agree that our 4, 5, 6 receivers could be upgraded. How good is a playmaker that doesn’t play very much? At least with Jeanty we would get 4+1 year contract for an RB that could be available on 50% of snaps with Bucky, who has 3 years left on rookie deal. If we resign Godwin, McMillan will be WR 3/4 for at least another couple years.
I still think we need D more, but I think we will be addressing several holes in FA (like Jason did last year). Bredeson, Opeta, tavierre, Bryce hall being some of those key additions last year. Bredeson contributed significantly, but imagine if those other 3 players weren’t injured for most or all of season.
February 19th, 2025 at 10:49 pm
Perhaps Jeremiah knows that the Bucs are sending Godwin ad Mayfield to Cleveland for Garrett
February 19th, 2025 at 10:51 pm
@ OR Buc
“I still think we need D more, but I think we will be addressing several holes in FA (like Jason did last year)”
I agree.
We have more needs on defense (ILB, OLB, IDL, DB) than we have on offense.
Just keep in mind – Just because you draft a player in round 1,2 or 3 does not mean you receive an immediate benefit.
Example: OLB Chris Brawell – 2nd round pick.
Did you notice him much last season?
I’m not saying the dude is a bust but – it USUALLY takes a few seasons before a player can develop into their full potential.
So – if a top ten player is available at pick #19 – our GM should be smart and add the value over reaching for need.
February 19th, 2025 at 11:24 pm
Safety/LB hybrid….
Just wait till you see him blow up the combine
Emmanwori
February 19th, 2025 at 11:27 pm
Damn. I just typed out a long response, clicked submit and it disappeared.
Testing.
February 19th, 2025 at 11:28 pm
@ Max
“Emmanwori”
Which round? 2nd?
February 19th, 2025 at 11:36 pm
@ OR Buc
That happens at times.
It’s frustrating… Give it a few minutes and your comment may show up.
February 19th, 2025 at 11:51 pm
In other mocks, the Bucs pick a pig with wings, and a school of snook. It’s only gonna get more tarded from here on so get your laughing towels ready.
February 20th, 2025 at 12:03 am
1st….if hes there.
February 20th, 2025 at 12:04 am
Yall know im good at this
February 20th, 2025 at 12:18 am
@ Max
I like the pick but not at #19…
We also have needs at IDL, OLB and ILB.
We drafted Winfield in round #2.
Maybe if our GM can move back and grab a few more top 100 picks then draft him in the late 1st or early 2nd that might work out OK.
February 20th, 2025 at 12:51 am
Our GM knows what he is doing.
February 20th, 2025 at 6:14 am
Retard Rod strikes again. Listen, I know your you’re Jameis’s GIMP – but try to follow me here, the Bucs were just about the very best in the NFL in time possession, but they only had the ball for like 23 minutes, which is comically low. Apparently it needs to be explained to you that the Redskins were getting first down after first down after first down after first down. This is, by your definition, “the defense doing their part.” You’re a fan of that bend but don’t break I guess. You’re ok with turning on a Bucs game and seeing the offense for 3/4 of the game because the defense can’t get off the field. That’s doing their part. Lol you are such a momo.
February 20th, 2025 at 8:04 am
The best coverage line backer is needed… another DT may be a good pick too… later first rounders should go to linemen.
February 20th, 2025 at 8:54 am
Hmmmmm No mention of him and Jalen being Brothers.
Interesting
BECAUSE THEY ARE
February 20th, 2025 at 10:27 am
Come on guys… this would be a terrible pick… a STUPID pick. We NEED an Edge Rusher AND an ILB, first and foremost. Why the hell are we gonna worry about who Baker is throwing to NEXT year when we need these positions addressed RIGHT NOW?
How many times did Daniels get away from Kancey last year by sliding to the left or the right bcz there was no Edge Rusher there to force him back to the middle? Diaby needs to stop breaking containment on the edge by rushing up the middle every chance he gets. He let numerous sacks get away bcz of his impatience. It’s the same problem that JTS had!
David is getting old and Sirvocea can’t make it on to the field. I do feel that picking up Dion was a great choice. I don’t even understand how he was on the street. If ALL the good Edge Rushers are off the board, then we need to take Jihaad. Ain’t no way we should even be thinking WR with out first, second OR third pick.
In a perfect world, this is how our draft should look like:
1) Mike Green, James Pierce, Jr., Shemar Stewart, Nick Scourton
2) Emmanwori
3) Chris Paul, Jr.
February 20th, 2025 at 12:33 pm
With “some” exception, where we are drafting in the first round, it’s worth taking the best player available… Could be Guard, ILB, CB, could be Safety, could be WR. If you think this kid from Arizona could be the next Mike Evans, you wouldn’t take him?
For those that think we shoot for a DE, because we need them so badly, at that spot we’re risking another JTS and/or Logan Hall…JAGs. There’s better quality in other positions that we could potentially have as a 10-year starter as long as we don’t reach too specific to our needs. Licht has to address DE in free agency.
February 20th, 2025 at 1:03 pm
This is a ridiculous projection.
We will go corner or edge in Rd. 1
We will most-likely re-sign Godwin and Cheetah Hill thinks Baker is the best QB in the NFL, so I think we’d sign him to an incentive-laden deal before we ever thought about using our 1st-rd pick this year on another WR.
February 20th, 2025 at 4:10 pm
Edge rushers have only been found by Licht in FA, his specialty is offensive lineman and skill players on offense. picks like JTS, Logan Hall and Diane not coming close to 10 sacks last season I prefer him to draft positions he understands better like RB, OL and WR. Even TE with Otton and Culp have been promising.
Rookie pass rushers for the Bucs have been unproductive whereas offensive players Licht picks have been good as rookies so let’s focus all free agency acquisitions on defense and let Licht keep finding stars on offense.
February 20th, 2025 at 9:40 pm
Cheetah Hill will be a Buc right after they sign Rhett Bomar to back Baker up after Trask is named the new starter of the Pittsburgh Steelers.