Buccaneers WR3 battle among key training camp storylines
· Yahoo Sports
The Buccaneers know who sits at the top of their wide receiver depth chart, but training camp should determine how the rest of the group fits around Baker Mayfield.
Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin are firmly established as Tampa Bay’s top two receiving threats, giving the Buccaneers a strong foundation in a passing game that still has enough talent to help Mayfield keep the offense among the NFC South’s most dangerous units. The more interesting question is the No. 3 receiver job, where Jalen McMillan, Tez Johnson, and rookie Ted Hurst enter camp with different skill sets, different paths to playing time, and a real opportunity to claim one of the most important supporting roles in the offense. Bleacher Report looked at three things Tampa must do: gaining clarity at WR3, Baker Mayfield's contract, and unleashing rookie pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr.
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That concern is significant because Tampa Bay’s passing game cannot be built around only two receivers. Mayfield has thrived when he has defined answers, timing-based options, and enough depth to attack defenses that roll coverage toward his primary targets. With Egbuka and Godwin expected to command the most attention, the third receiver must give the Buccaneers a dependable option who can win against single coverage, handle situational targets, and stay on the field when the offense spreads defenses out.
McMillan may have the clearest path to the competition if the Buccaneers want a more traditional receiver profile in that spot. He has the size, body control, and route versatility to function as a complementary target, and his ability to work in the intermediate area could pair well with Godwin’s reliability and Egbuka’s big-play ability. For McMillan, the challenge is turning opportunity into week-to-week trust. Tampa Bay needs him to be consistent enough that the offense does not have to force-feed the top two receivers every time it needs a conversion.
Johnson brings a different element to the race. His quickness, short-area burst, and ability to create separation can give the Buccaneers more flexibility inside and underneath. If Tampa Bay wants a receiver who can stress defenders horizontally, uncover quickly, and add yards after the catch, Johnson has a legitimate case. His route detail, timing with Mayfield, and ability to hold up against physical coverage will determine whether he can move from an intriguing piece to a regular contributor.
Hurst is the wild card because rookies often have the steepest learning curve, but also the most room to change a depth chart quickly. His path will depend on how fast he absorbs the offense, handles the details of route adjustments, and proves he can be trusted when the play breaks structure. Rookie receivers often have to earn their first role through special teams, blocking, and limited packages before they become full-time offensive pieces. If Hurst flashes early in camp, the Buccaneers may have to consider whether his upside deserves a larger developmental role.
The competition also has a larger roster-building angle. Egbuka and Godwin give Tampa Bay two established targets, but the Buccaneers need to know whether the rest of the room can support Mayfield through a full season. That is especially important with Mayfield entering a contract year and the organization trying to keep the offense stable while his long-term future remains unresolved. A reliable WR3 would make life easier for the quarterback and reduce the pressure on the coaching staff to manufacture every secondary target.
The three-player race should come down to consistency, not just splash plays. McMillan can win the job by being the most complete option. Johnson can win it by proving his speed and separation translate into dependable touches. Hurst can force the issue by showing he is ready faster than expected.
Training camp will not be only about who makes the most highlight catches. The Buccaneers need to see who lines up correctly, blocks with effort, wins against press coverage, makes contested catches, protects the football, and earns Mayfield’s trust in situational work. The third receiver in this offense may not lead the team in targets, but he could decide whether Tampa Bay’s passing game has enough balance to survive injuries, defensive adjustments, and the weekly demands of a long season.
Egbuka and Godwin give the Buccaneers a strong starting point. McMillan, Johnson, and Hurst will determine how deep the position can become.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Jalen McMillan, Tez Johnson, Ted Hurst set for Bucs WR3 battle