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.

Baker Mayfield looked rejuvenated in 2023, throwing for a career-high 4,044 yards with 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his first season as the Buccaneers' starting quarterback. Mayfield finished QB10 in total fantasy scoring, though he was only QB18 in fantasy points per game among quarterbacks who played at least five games. The six-year veteran seemed to benefit from the tutelage of noted QB whisperer Dave Canales, who served as the Bucs' offensive coordinator last season. But Canales was named the Panthers' head coach in the offseason, and Mayfield will be working with a new offensive coordinator, Liam Coen, who was the offensive coordinator at the University of Kentucky last year. Mayfield lacks QB1 upside for fantasy but profiles as a competent QB2 and a reasonable option in superflex leagues.

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's trajectory from his breakout season at Washington to his selection by the Buccaneers in the third round underscores his potential as a promising NFL receiver. Despite facing challenges like injuries and reduced opportunities in his final collegiate year, McMillan's strong route-running skills and experience in the slot position position him well for success at the professional level. He led the Washington Huskies in targets and catches in 2022 despite playing with future 1st and 2nd round picks.
With a clear path to the WR3 role in Tampa Bay's offense and the possibility of further advancement to WR2 in the coming seasons, McMillan's combination of talent and opportunity could make him a valuable asset.