Bucs' depth chart confirms suspicion after rookie's standout summer

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers believe they got a steal in WR Jalen McMillan in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.  Now, they're ready to prove that quickly, as evidenced by their latest depth chart revealed by the team on Tuesday morning.   McMillan checked in as starting WR3, unseating 2023 standout rookie Trey Palmer.  […]

Craig Smith College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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Aug 23, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) wide receiver Jalen McMillan (15) after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter during preseason at Raymond James Stadium.
Nathan Ray Seebeck – USA Today Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers believe they got a steal in WR Jalen McMillan in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.  Now, they're ready to prove that quickly, as evidenced by their latest depth chart revealed by the team on Tuesday morning.  

McMillan checked in as starting WR3, unseating 2023 standout rookie Trey Palmer. 

McMillan quickly left little double why Tampa Bay snatched him up in the third round back in April.  The former Washington Husky was smooth with his route running and looked more polished than many rookie wideouts in their first summer.  He followed that up with a strong camp that put him in the driver's seat for the team's WR3 spot.  

Palmer, while having a notable rookie season last year – especially for a sixth-round pick – with 39 catches for 385 yards and 3 touchdowns, just didn't do enough to hold onto his spot during training camp and the preseason.  Palmer will, however, handle primary punt return duties this fall for the Bucs. 

The Bucs will also be using another rookie in an important role, as fourth round pick RB Bucky Irving will join his backfield mate Sean Tucker as the team's two kickoff returners.  The Bucs had a number of speedy options they could turn deploy in the league's new format, but the two young ballcarriers will apparently get first crack. 

The Bucs open up their season at home on Sunday at 4:25 pm against the Washington Commanders from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.