Todd Bowles “Can’t Wait” To See This Bucs Rookie In Pads

Bucs OTA practices could be enjoyable and are an essential instrument for Todd Bowles and the coaches to get an early examine how the 2024 roster is trying. It isn’t the tip all, be all, although, as a result of there aren’t any pads being worn or bodily contact happening. Even with all the principles put in right now, soccer remains to be a contact sport.

Bucs HC Todd Bowles – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR

So naturally, when listening to Todd Bowles discuss a specific rookie that he needs to see play in pads, one would hypothesize that it will be first decide Graham Barton. It makes all of the sense. Barton is an offensive lineman who the Bucs plan on utilizing at middle. Moreover snapping with Baker Mayfield and a few athletic actions, no one has been in a position to see his true talents since lineman are hitting one another.

This might understandably match, however Todd Bowles really has one other participant in thoughts and it’s a man that he’s already been in a position to watch play a good quantity given his place. Following Tuesday’s OTA follow, Todd Bowles had a few issues to say about large receiver Jalen McMillan.

Todd Bowles Is Complimentary Of McMillan

“He’s very aggressive, extraordinarily good,” Todd Bowles stated. “Very heady soccer participant – which is what we thought getting in. I actually can’t wait to get the pads on him, get him acclimated and see him play in the summertime.”

Bucs WR Jalen McMillan – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR

Its early on within the offseason however McMillan has already stood out to a level making some huge performs. It began with rookie mini-camp having caught a deep ball means down the sphere. That continued throughout OTAs as McMillan received the higher of cornerback Bryce Corridor, who the Bucs view as a beginning caliber participant, by beating him on a go route. McMillan caught the cross from Baker Mayfield, leaping for it earlier than Corridor was in a position to.

We’ve seen some acrobatic performs early on from McMillan. Hopefully it’s an indication of issues to return. In the intervening time it’s means too early to anoint him as the subsequent huge factor. He’ll must show it when the pads come on. Todd Bowles would like to know that the Bucs have discovered their third large receiver within the offense after Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

Godwin On McMillan

Whereas Evans hasn’t been at OTAs, that are elective, Godwin has been there like he all the time has. Godwin shared his preliminary ideas about McMillan after seeing him play.

“I like him,” Godwin stated. “He looks like he’s a great child. From day one you may inform that he’s been coming in desirous to be taught. He’s received actual good actions about him, good arms. You would inform he was coached very well. I feel he’s going to be an awesome match for our room.”

May McMillan Be The Returner For The Bucs?

Offense won’t be the one space by which we see McMillan assist the Bucs. He might doubtlessly be within the operating to be a punt or kick returner for the Bucs as nicely. McMillan has some expertise doing it at Washington as he has 9 profession punt returns for 83 yards and a median of 9.2 yards per return.

At OTAs, we’ve seen the likes of McMillan, Deven Thompkins and Trey Palmer or work on it throughout particular groups drills.

Does this imply this would be the competitors come coaching camp? Has anybody stood out already? By the assertion from Todd Bowles, there’s not a lot to look into simply but.

“I don’t assume anyone has confirmed me flashes in 4 days,” Todd Bowles stated. “They’re simply catching punts proper now. It received’t come, actually, till coaching camp proper now. All people is again there catching punts. Hell, I can compete proper now as a result of I can catch them in the event you kick them to me. We’ll anticipate the summer season and see how that develops.”