I think McMillan can do work in the slot because if Grizzard adds a vertical element to this offensive scheme it will be very interesting.
His highest graded game came in the regular season finale against the Saints.
It was also his highest percentage of snaps in the slot (46.2%).
The next highest graded game was the week before, where he ironically enough had his 2nd highest percentage of snaps from the slot.
Not saying that's where he makes his bones, but he's capable of lining up there and showing production.
I think McMillan can do work in the slot because if Grizzard adds a vertical element to this offensive scheme it will be very interesting.
His highest graded game came in the regular season finale against the Saints.
It was also his highest percentage of snaps in the slot (46.2%).
The next highest graded game was the week before, where he ironically enough had his 2nd highest percentage of snaps from the slot.
Not saying that's where he makes his bones, but he's capable of lining up there and showing production.
Regarding Egbuka, he played 81.1% of his snaps from the slot last season.
Up from 68.3% and 72.5% his previous years.
One of the best things about Egbuka is that hopefully he will keep Sterling Shepard on the bench. 😀
One of the best things about Egbuka is that hopefully he will keep Sterling Shepard on the bench. 😀
PREACH!
I think McMillan can do work in the slot because if Grizzard adds a vertical element to this offensive scheme it will be very interesting.
His highest graded game came in the regular season finale against the Saints.
It was also his highest percentage of snaps in the slot (46.2%).
The next highest graded game was the week before, where he ironically enough had his 2nd highest percentage of snaps from the slot.
Not saying that's where he makes his bones, but he's capable of lining up there and showing production.
Josh Q said that the Bucs didn't see him as a slot because he lacks the physicality to provide the blocking so it limits the options when he's in that role (as compared to Godwin)
On McMillan
"The team tried to move McMillan into that position, but he lacks the play strength to effectively operate close to the line of scrimmage as a run blocker. He also struggled to match Godwin’s reliability as a catch-on-collision operator. McMillan’s catch rate at the intermediate level was 11% lower than Godwin’s and 5.5% under 10 yards. He was also one of only 11 receivers last year with at least 60 targets to clear an 11% drop rate. Pair that with a 25% contested catch rate and McMillan just does not match the requirements needed of an F."
I think McMillan can do work in the slot because if Grizzard adds a vertical element to this offensive scheme it will be very interesting.
His highest graded game came in the regular season finale against the Saints.
It was also his highest percentage of snaps in the slot (46.2%).
The next highest graded game was the week before, where he ironically enough had his 2nd highest percentage of snaps from the slot.
Not saying that's where he makes his bones, but he's capable of lining up there and showing production.
Those last 2 games referenced produced a stat line of (averaged 40% of snap share in the slot):
11 targets
10 receptions (91% catch rate)
125 yards
3 TD's
Again, as I said (since some clearly don't get it), not advocating for him to spend the majority of his time in the slot; but he has CLEARLY shown he can produce there if needed.
On top of that, he was highly graded on working short center and middle center of the field (92.7 and 93.2 respectively), while also grading out extremely well in deep right portions of the field (93.5).
MAC had a sneaky good year as a rook.
The Bucs dont even say he cannot play in the slot ("since some clearly dont get it") - Josh Q just said that ONE reason that the Bucs drafted Egbuka is because they dont see McMillan as THE SLOT (emphasis on THE). . ie the replacement for Godwin . . . for the reasons provided. They see him as a very good receiver, especially in the off the line of scrimmage, motion role.
In the same article Josh Q says they tried Palmer as the stand in for Evans (because he often runs the deep route) and that did not work out either.
It's pretty clear that Mac can play the slot on passing downs but the worry is he's too small to block on running downs... So it might tip your hand to have him in the slot if you pass it too often
Thats a tough way to make a living - I remember when BA was transitioning Godwin to be a reliable slot in his system. CG had the body frame to do it - he needed the mentality.It's pretty clear that Mac can play the slot on passing downs but the worry is he's too small to block on running downs... So it might tip your hand to have him in the slot if you pass it too often
I don't doubt JMac has the ability to do it, just don’t know if he’ll have the durability to do it without a lot of personal commitment to change his body for the constant battle with NFL LB’s & secondary.
Hope he can, he definitely has some chops, and his heart.
It just goes to the point that the team obviously has a ton more insight. Josh Q sort of makes the case for the pick by pointing out that the Bucs don't see Palmer as capable of doing what most of us see him as (hopefully) a reliable deep threat, and that McMillan is obviously good, but litter in his roles, at least at this moment
It's pretty clear that Mac can play the slot on passing downs but the worry is he's too small to block on running downs... So it might tip your hand to have him in the slot if you pass it too often
Fair assessment. Again, as I had eluded, he can be successful in a pinch.
But, I think it's pretty clear that our primary 3 receiver sets opening week will be:
X - Evans (true WR1)
F - Egbuka
Z - McMillan
Obviously, packages will vary personnel groupings.
One of the best things about Egbuka is that hopefully he will keep Sterling Shepard on the bench. 😀
Yea pretty much this. Nothing wrong with shepherd and McMillan but egbuka is an upgrade on both and will make us deeper and harder to play against. As long they stay healthy it should be one of the best wr groups in the league.
One of the best things about Egbuka is that hopefully he will keep Sterling Shepard on the bench. 😀
Yea pretty much this. Nothing wrong with shepherd and McMillan but egbuka is an upgrade on both and will make us deeper and harder to play against. As long they stay healthy it should be one of the best wr groups in the league.
Tez might be an upgrade as a return specialist and WR on the backend of the roster too. Grizzard was determined with the Bucs brass to really ensure the future passing offense did not fall off for any various reason. But beyond that I think the Bucs are looking to be better than last year through the air.
Obviously I was (and still am) perturbed by Shepard's inexcusable drops in a few key situations last season. Hopefully he will see considerably less action during the upcoming season.