Position Group: Wide Receiver
Players: Mike Evans, Chris Godwin (Injured Reserve), Jalen McMillan, Sterling Shepard, Trey Palmer, Ryan Miller, Rakim Jarrett, Kameron Johnson, Marquez Callaway (reserve/future), Tanner Knue (reserve/future), Dennis Houston (reserve/future)
2024 Evaluation: The Buccaneers finished the 2024 season with several single-season offensive franchise records, including completion percentage (71.5%), passer rating (106.8), yards per rush (5.3), rushing first downs (137), rushing yards (2,536), third-down conversion rate (50.9%) and third-down conversions (110).
Legendary receiver Mike Evans became the aerial catalyst, spearheading the offense. Evans finished the season with 74 receptions for 1,004 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns. In recording his 11th straight 1,000-yard season, Evans extended his own NFL record for the longest-such streak to begin a player's career. With his 11th such season overall, Evans tied Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice (11 from 1986-96) for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in NFL history. Evans also broke a tie with Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss (10) for the second-most total 1,000-yard seasons in league history, trailing only Rice (14). The 2024 campaign also marked Evans' sixth season with 1,000-plus receiving yards and 10-plus receiving touchdowns -- the fifth-most in NFL history. He trails only Pro Football Hall of Famers Rice (9), Marvin Harrison (8), Moss (8) and Terrell Owens (8).
Evans, a high-point specialist, made his mark on the field with savviness at the top of routes, physicality in the red zone, track/adjust capability and proficiency on back-shoulder catches. The long-striding speedster set the tone and defensive coordinators consistently double-teamed Evans, adding safety help to prevent a big play over the top to 13. Evans' numbers are even more impressive considering there are less route options for wideouts versus tight ends/slot weapons. As an outside receiver, Evans has to deal with the boundary and less space to operate.
Chris Godwin was placed on Injured Reserve in October after dislocating his ankle in the Monday night game against the Baltimore Ravens. Godwin was on pace for the triple crown in a prolific campaign before the season-ending injury. He led the NFL with 50 receptions and 33 receiving first downs through seven games. Godwin was second in the league with 576 receiving yards and was tied for third with five touchdown receptions. The YAC-artist reverted back to his primary role in the slot and it paid dividends. Godwin is adept at working the middle of the field with a less restricted release and plays with outstanding body control. He is adept at boxing out defenders and working back to the ball on out routes and digs. Godwin is superb at generating separation at the stem and became Baker Mayfield's go-to target on third down prior to his injury.
Rookie Jalen McMillan emerged as the number-two guy on the depth chart behind Evans, helping to supplement the production of Godwin. He brought in five receptions for 74 yards and a receiving touchdown against the Saints in Week 18, marking his fifth straight game with a receiving touchdown, tied for the second-longest streak by a rookie in NFL history, trailing only Randy Moss (seven games). McMillan's seven touchdowns over his final five games of the regular season were tied for the most by any Buccaneer over a five-game span in club history, joining Mike Evans and Jimmie Giles. He became the second player to record seven-or-more touchdown catches over a five-game span this season, joining Ja'Marr Chase. McMillan's eight receiving touchdowns are the third-most by a Buccaneer in franchise history, trialing Mike Evans (12 in 2014) and Mike Williams (11 in 2010). His eight receiving touchdowns ranked second among all rookies this season, trailing only Brian Thomas Jr. (10). McMillan developed over the course of the year with precision on routes and found ways to manipulate defensive backs with subtle movements/fakes. He is quick in and out of breaks and elevated the Bucs' offense during the second-half stretch.
Behind the trio, offseason acquisition Sterling Shepard played the next most snaps in the receiver room at 509 (44.57%). The former Giant inked a one-year deal with Tampa Bay in June just before the start of mandatory minicamp. He quickly accelerated out of breaks and was effective over the middle of the field. Trey Palmer contributed 305 snaps (26.71%), Jarrett 210 (18.39%), Miller 275 (24.08%) and Johnson 47 (4.12%).
2025 Outlook: Chris Godwin is an impending unrestricted free agent, along with Sterling Shepard. Godwin is coming off a dislocated ankle injury that required surgery and the 28-year-old will likely be a top priority for the Bucs' brass this summer. Despite it being a small sample size, Godwin took the NFL by storm and thrived in Liam Coen's system, generating yards after catch. He is in the upper echelon at the position and has formed one of the most formidable tandems in the NFL alongside Mike Evans. In addition, the Bucs signed 17 players to future contracts, including Marquez Callaway, Dennis Houston and Tanner Knue.
