As the preseason heats up, all eyes are on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and one player who's already making waves is Jalen McMillan. The third-round draft pick from Washington has been a revelation during training camp, showcasing route-running skills that make it seem like his feet are gliding on rails. His impressive performance has put him ahead in the fierce competition for the No. 3 receiver spot.
Bucs assistant general manager John Spytek has been effusive in his praise for McMillan. “You can all see the cool stuff he’s doing out here,” Spytek said, clearly excited about McMillan’s potential. “He’s an incredibly gifted athlete and football player. The next step is seeing if he can consistently deliver this level of performance day in and day out.”
The real test for McMillan will come when the pads go on, and he faces game situations. Spytek is optimistic that McMillan will handle the transition well and build a strong rapport with quarterback Baker Mayfield. “There’s a trust factor that needs to be established between any receiver and quarterback,” Spytek explained. “McMillan has to earn that trust with Baker too, but we’re thrilled with his start.”
This Saturday night, McMillan, along with other Bucs rookies, will get their chance to shine in Cincinnati. The veterans will be resting, and the preseason opener against the Bengals will be a crucial opportunity for the rookies to make their mark. Kyle Trask will start at quarterback, with John Wolford stepping in as the battle for the backup quarterback spot intensifies.
Spytek’s focus for this game is clear. “I want to see them compete,” he said. “Mistakes are expected—they’re on an NFL field for the first time, learning a new scheme. But what’s important is their effort. I want to see them finish plays, whether it’s tackling, carrying the ball, or making every effort to avoid running out of bounds.”
Here’s what to keep an eye on as the game unfolds:
Barton’s Shotgun Snaps
First-round pick Graham Barton has a significant role to play. Despite not having played center in a game since his freshman year at Duke, he’s expected to secure the starting position over Robert Hainsey. The preseason games are crucial for Barton, especially for snapping the ball in the shotgun formation under live conditions.
Barton’s athleticism and strength are unquestionable, but his ability to handle NFL-level defensive tackles and make accurate protection calls at the line will be tested. Spytek highlighted Barton’s resilience: “One wayward snap doesn’t turn into a series of mistakes with him. He’s consistent and it matters to him.”
Pass-Rush Potential: Braswell, Watts, and Ramirez
The Bucs are dealing with injuries to their starting outside linebackers, Yaya Diaby and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, leaving a gap that needs to be filled. Chris Braswell, a second-round pick from Alabama, is showing promise. After a slow start, Braswell has picked up momentum, even intercepting a pass in the end zone. His performance in this area could be a game-changer, especially with Diaby’s 7.5 sacks last season and Tryon-Shoyinka’s best season being just five sacks.
Head coach Todd Bowles has noted Braswell’s potential: “He’s not a guy we plan to rely on for coverage, but he’s showing he knows where to be and is making plays.” Both Markees Watts and Jose Ramirez are also vying for roster spots, having performed well against tackles Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke.
Strengthening the Defensive Backfield
Last season, the Bucs struggled with dropped interceptions—cornerback Jamel Dean admitted to missing at least five or six potential picks. To address this, the team has signed free agents Bryce Hall from the Jets and Tavierre Thomas from the Texans. Rookies Tyrek Funderburk from Appalachian State and Josh Hayes from Kansas State have also been turning heads. Thomas, in particular, has been a standout, leading the team in interceptions during camp.
Funderburk reflected on his contributions: “Takeaways are crucial for a defensive back. You never know when they’ll come, but you always need to be ready.” His recent interception during practice was a significant highlight.
Adapting to New Kickoff Rules
Kickoff returns will look different this season due to new rules. All players on the kicking team, except the kicker, must line up with one foot on the receiving team’s 40-yard line. They cannot move until the ball is either touched by a player in the landing zone or the end zone. On the other side, the receiving team must line up in a 5-yard area from their 35-yard line to the 30, with at least nine players in this zone. Neither team can move until the ball is caught by the receiving team.
These new rules will undoubtedly impact special teams strategies and could influence the game’s dynamics in unforeseen ways.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming preseason opener against the Bengals is more than just a practice game; it’s a critical opportunity for Bucs rookies and players battling for roster spots to prove their mettle. With exciting new talents like Jalen McMillan and Graham Barton stepping into the spotlight, and the defense showing promise with emerging stars like Chris Braswell and Tyrek Funderburk, there’s plenty to look forward to. As always, the focus will be on competitiveness, effort, and making the most of every play. The Bucs are building something special, and this game is the first step in showcasing their future stars.
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