Fantasy Football Player Notes

Mike Evans ranked as the WR4 in 2023, totaling 239.3 points (14.4 per game, WR8). He caught 76 passes for 1,233 yards and 13 touchdowns. He re-signed a two-year deal with the Buccaneers, keeping his talents in Tampa Bay. He will be 31 in August.

Rachaad White was Leonard Fournette 2.0 for Tampa Bay last season. An inefficient rusher whose pass game role and every down snap share vaults them to RB1 land. Last year, White was the RB10 in fantasy, ranking fourth in snap share, seventh in opportunity share, and fourth in weighted opportunities. He also ranked top-ten in carries (second), targets (ninth), and red zone touches (ninth). White didn't do nearly as much with that volume as we'd hoped. Among 49 qualifying backs, White ranked 42nd in missed tackles forced per attempt, 40th in explosive run rate, and 45th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). While he was eighth in overall target volume among running backs, he was only 43rd in targets per route run and 18th in yards per route run. White could easily roll back into 2024 as the Bucs do it all back, but don't be surprised if Bucky Irving helps him shoulder the load.

Chris Godwin's 2023 season was marked by high volume but low touchdown production, catching only 3 touchdowns despite leading the Buccaneers in receptions and receiving yards. His target share was comparable to Mike Evans', but he struggled to convert opportunities into fantasy points, finishing outside the top-36 wide receivers in fantasy scoring. However, with potential changes in offensive scheme and Evans potentially regressing, Godwin could see a bounce-back year, especially if he returns to a full-time slot role as suggested by new OC Liam Coen.

Irving becomes a Tampa Bay Buccaneer with mildly surprising fourth-round draft capital, considering his meh-level athletic testing (2.22 RAS). Irving should face some resistance from Chase Edmonds to become the direct backup to the team's workhorse in Rachaad White. If Irving can win the RB2 job, he should be on the handcuff radar. Last year, he ranked 17th in yards after contact per attempt and eighth in elusive rating (per PFF).

Jalen McMillan showcased significant potential at Washington, breaking out in his second season with a 19% dominator rating and further elevating his performance in 2022 to achieve 1,098 receiving yards and 9 TDs, leading to a 25% dominator rating. His success came despite sharing targets with future NFL prospects Rome Odunze and Ja'Lynn Polk, where he led the Huskies in targets and receptions that year. However, his role diminished in the following season due to injuries and a reduced downfield role in Washington's vertical offense, limiting his production. Despite these challenges, McMillan's early breakout and strong route-running skills, particularly from the slot where he played over 89% of snaps in the last two seasons, highlight his readiness for the NFL. Drafted by the Buccaneers in the third round, he has a clear path to becoming the WR3 this season and potentially WR2 by 2025, especially in a team that could leverage his abilities in the slot.