The future of star wide receiver Chris Godwin in Tampa Bay is a major question for the Buccaneers ahead of free agency, and a new NFL mock draft has the franchise drafting his potential replacement.
Godwin, 28, suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 7 last season. The former third-round pick out of Penn State is slated to hit free agency on March 12.
Head coach Todd Bowles and the Buccaneers could re-sign the former Second-Team All-Pro and Super Bowl LV champion, or turn to free agency or the 2025 NFL Draft to make up for the lost production.
Godwin has been one of the most productive players at the position, totaling 579 career-receptions for 7,266 yards with 39 touchdowns in eight seasons in Tampa Bay.
According to NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah's latest mock draft, the Buccaneers turn to Arizona product Tetairoa McMillan with the No. 19 overall pick.
If production is what Tampa Bay is looking for, the Wildcats' all-time receiving leader fits the bill to pair with star quarterback Baker Mayfield.
"McMillan could go earlier in Round 1, but Tampa Bay would be a perfect landing spot," Jeremiah wrote. "Chris Godwin is due to become a free agent, and Mike Evans can’t play forever, can he?"
McMillan (6-foot-5, 212 pounds) is a big-bodied target with speed to burn. The consensus All-American posted 84 catches for 1,319 yards with eight touchdowns in his junior season.
Despite only playing three years with the Wildcats, McMillan's 3,423 career-receiving yards ranks first in program history. He also averaged 16.1 yards per reception with 213-career catches and 26 touchdowns.
McMillan could step into Godwin's role if the franchise ultimately moves in a different direction. Additionally, six-time Pro Bowl receiver Mike Evans, 31, has one season remaining on a two-year, $52 million deal signed last spring.
Tampa Bay will get a chance to evaluate McMillan and other top prospects closely at the NFL combine (Feb. 27-March 2) in Indianapolis.
The 2025 NFL Draft will be held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, from April 24-26.
