The buzz surrounding the play of Ryan Mallett during training camp with the New England Patriots has been growing.

"I was blown away today. I saw a legitimate NFL starting quarterback today backing up Tom Brady," Mike Mayock said after Monday's scrimmage versus the Redskins. "So as the season progresses and we get closer to draft time and what the Patriots can or can't do with him, I think they drafted Jimmy Garoppolo for a reason, as an insurance policy. But trust me, Ryan Mallett's a starting quarterback in this league, and he popped today."

Buccaneers All Pro defensive tackle Gerald McCoy told the Dave Dameshek Football Program this offseason that Mallett is "going to be special whoever he plays for."

"He's a Tom Brady in the making. And I really love Tom Brady," McCoy said. "I've watched (Mallett) prepare in practice over the past couple of years. And my respect for that guy went to an all-time high because I've watched."