The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made it five straight playoff appearances in 2024 after overtaking the Atlanta Falcons late in the season. Despite key injuries to both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, the Buccaneers pulled it off thanks to big contributions from tight end Cade Otton and rookie Jalen McMillan.
Now, with fan favorite Godwin re-signed, Tampa Bay has a solid receiving core heading into 2025. Still, Reese Decker’s latest three-round mock draft has the team going after another top-tier wideout in Round 1 this April.
Tampa Bay Drafts Tetairoa McMillan in the 1st Round
In what would be a surprising pick, the Buccaneers select Tetairoa McMillan to add another outside threat to an already stacked offense. With Evans, Godwin, Otton, and Jalen McMillan already in the mix, the addition of the Arizona standout would still bring serious upside.
When Tampa drafted Jalen McMillan in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, many believed he was there to learn from — and eventually replace — Godwin. Godwin was moved back into a slot role last year, and expectations were that Jalen McMillan would have limited snaps early on.
But Tetairoa McMillan isn’t a slot receiver. He could line up opposite Evans and give defenses major problems. With Godwin operating in the slot and drawing attention across the middle, the two outside receivers would likely create mismatches against man coverage.
And if the team was willing to draft Godwin’s eventual replacement in 2024, it’s not a stretch to think they’d do the same for Evans. The franchise leader in receptions (836), receiving yards (12,684), and touchdowns (105) turns 32 in August. Eventually, the Buccaneers will have to prepare for life without him.
Tetairoa McMillan a ‘Mismatch Nightmare’
According to Decker, Tetairoa McMillan can make an immediate impact — especially with Evans still drawing coverage.
“Mike Evans just wrapped up his 11th NFL season, once again surpassing 1,000 receiving yards. While he seems ageless, he won’t play forever.
“At 6’5”, [Tetairoa] McMillan is a mismatch nightmare for defensive backs. He’s not just a red-zone weapon — he’s a smooth, polished receiver with excellent body control and fluid breaks. He thrives in contested catches and tracks the ball at an elite level.
“Tampa would be a perfect fit, allowing [Tetairoa] McMillan to develop alongside one of the best to ever do it.”
On the surface, spending a first-round pick on another receiver might seem like a luxury for the Buccaneers. But after the Bengals shelled out big money to keep Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Tampa wouldn’t be the first team to double down on its strength this offseason.
Defensively, Tampa Bay had its issues in 2024. Only three teams recorded fewer interceptions, and only two allowed more passing yards. But the Buccaneers still ranked in the top 10 in sacks and average rushing yards allowed per carry.
If they can address their secondary in the later rounds, why not take a swing on McMillan with a Super Bowl run in mind?