Bucs rookie proves strong training camp start is no fluke by making more big plays during latest practice

One of the biggest developments of Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp is rookie Jalen McMillan, without a doubt. The rookie receiver has gotten off to a blistering start and he's grabbed the attention of the coaching staff and veteran teammates.

"He's savvy," Bucs cornerback Zyon McCollum said after Thursday's practice. "He runs routes a little bit like a vet and he comes up to me and we talk ball a lot. [When] he beats me, he tells me where he got me, and when I get him, you know, he asks me what did I see, do I know what route it was going to be and things like that.

"He already has a mindset to where he's trying to make plays and he's trying to act like a vet. And he already told me he's going for the Pro Bowl this year. So I'm going to challenge him every single day in practice and help him complete his goal."

As great as the fast start is, it's occurred without pads. Players always look better in t-shirts and shorts: The top guys really start to separate themselves once pads come on

So, it's fair to question if McMillan's fast start is legit. Sure enough, he answered that with a very strong performance on Monday.

Right now, it's logical to assume McMillan has the lead on second-year wideout, Trey Palmer, for the WR3 job. Palmer has gotten off to a bit of a quiet start, from the sounds of things, while McMillan has hit the ground running. It'll be interesting to see how this shakes out down the line.

Don't rule out veteran Sterling Shepard, who has been ramping up the plays, himself, during camp. He looked like he was in his prime on Monday when he shook second-year defensive back Christian Izien on a quick out route.

Bucs head coach Todd Bowles said a couple months ago that the wide receiver group was going to surprise some people as things progressed and sure enough, that's been the case, so far.

If the Bucs can build solid depth behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and if Baker Mayfield can continue his growth, then the Bucs' passing attack will must-see TV in 2024.