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Summer Scouting Series: Football Scout 365 Analyst Brandon Lundberg shares his initial insights on key draft-eligible college football players in anticipation of the 2024 college football season.
Tetairoa McMillan Overview: Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has been a dominant force through his first two college seasons, putting himself firmly on the NFL Draft radar. As Arizona prepares for its inaugural season in the Big 12, McMillan is considered the best NFL prospect in the new conference.
The 6-foot-5, 210-pound McMillan made some of the best plays of any receiver in college football last season. His 87.4 PFF overall grade and 89.1 receiving grade were both the highest marks at the position in the new-look Big 12. Though he lacks some separating ability as a big receiver, he hauled in 18 contested catches in 2023, many of which were jaw-dropping. He will bring WR1 potential to the pro level.
Scouting Report:
Measurables
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 210 pounds
2023 Stats: 90 receptions for 1,402 yards (15.6 avg), 10 TDs
Ceiling Potential: High-End Starter Potential
McMillan has the prototypical size, athleticism, and physical traits to be a high-level X receiver in the NFL. His ability to win contested catches and his route-running skills make him a dangerous weapon. Given his current trajectory and skill set, he projects as a mid-to-late first-round pick with the potential to develop into a top-tier NFL receiver.
Playstyle & Scheme Fit: McMillan primarily operates as an outside X-receiver, utilizing his impressive size and athleticism to create mismatches. He excels in vertical routes, leveraging his long stride and explosive burst to stretch defenses. His versatility allows him to line up out wide or in the slot making him a valuable asset in multiple offensive schemes. McMillan’s ability to adjust to various roles within the offense showcases his adaptability and makes him a constant threat on the field. His alignment versatility, high-effort run blocking, and ability to manipulate coverage angles add significant value, especially in diverse offensive systems.
Player Comparisons: McMillan's combination of size, catch radius, and contested catch ability draws comparisons to Mike Evans. Evans, known for his dominance at the catch point and ability to stretch the field, has been a consistent threat in the NFL. McMillan exhibits similar traits, including the ability to make acrobatic catches and dominate defenders with his physical presence. This makes him a potential WR1 at the next level, capable of being a go-to target in critical situations.
Key Strengths
Size and Catch Radius
Route Running
Dominant at the Catch Point/Ball Tracking
Where he excels: At 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, McMillan combines short-area quickness, fluid route running, and physical dominance. He uses a variety of releases to get open, mixing tempo and using his size to overpower defenders. His ability to adjust to the ball and make catches in high-traffic areas or while double-teamed sets him apart. He’s a difficult tackle after the catch, with elusiveness and strength to run through arm tackles. McMillan’s versatility allows him to be effective both as a deep threat and in the short-to-intermediate passing game.
Key Weaknesses
Top-End Speed
Consistently Separating
Reliance on Physical Attributes
Improvement Areas: Looking ahead to the 2024 season, McMillan needs to work on beating press coverage and improving his hand usage to avoid being disrupted at the line of scrimmage. Enhancing his route running with sharper breaks and expanding his route tree will also be crucial. Additionally, he needs to refine his run-blocking technique to avoid being a pass-down tell. Developing more consistency in creating separation will be vital for his transition to the NFL.
Advanced Data and Statistics: In 2023, McMillan led Arizona with 90 receptions for 1,402 yards and 10 touchdowns. His PFF grades of 87.4 overall and 89.1 for receiving were the highest at his position in the Big 12. His ability to make contested catches was on full display, with 18 such receptions showcasing his physical dominance. McMillan’s most notable performance came against Arizona State in the Territorial Cup, where he recorded 11 receptions for 266 yards, the highest receiving yardage in the history of the rivalry game.
2025 NFL Draft Projection: Entering the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, McMillan is projected as a top-10 pick. His unique blend of size, speed, and athleticism, combined with his production at Arizona, makes him a strong contender for the WR1 spot. With another year to refine his skills, McMillan has the potential to solidify his status as a blue-chip prospect.
Summary Analysis: Tetairoa McMillan has the prototypical size, athleticism, body control, and physical dominance to be a high-level X receiver in the NFL. His ability to make plays at the catch point and his versatility in lining up out wide, or in the slot make him an invaluable asset. While there are areas to improve, particularly in beating press coverage and refining his route running, McMillan’s potential is undeniable. With continued development, he has the tools to be a top receiver in the NFL and a potential top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.