Wide-receiver-needy teams should look no further than Arizona Wildcats star Tetairoa McMillan.
On his Instagram Thursday, McMillan announced he’s forgoing his final year of eligibility and entering the 2025 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 24-26 in Green Bay.
Don’t be surprised if McMillan is among the first WRs selected in the draft. On its updated big board, Pro Football Focus ranks McMillan as its No. 2 prospect behind Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter.
McMillan returned to Arizona in 2024, even though former head coach Jedd Fisch left for Washington. If he had transferred, other programs probably would have offered him a lucrative NIL deal.
The Wildcats went 4-8, but McMillan didn’t disappoint. In 12 games, he finished with 84 receptions for 1,319 yards and eight TDs. Along with Hunter and San Jose State’s Nick Nash, McMillan was named a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the best WR in college football.
Not to mention, McMillan set the program record for receiving yards (3,423) in three seasons with the Wildcats.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler notes McMillan (6-foot-5, 212 pounds) reminds him of Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins (6-foot-4, 219 pounds).
“He should be one of the first offensive players drafted in April because his play is very similar to Tee Higgins — receivers who won’t wow in the 40-yard dash, but they are playmakers at the catch point,” wrote Brugler.
In his latest mock draft, CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards has the New England Patriots taking McMillan with the No. 3 pick, which could be a solid fit.
Talented Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye has tossed 11 TD passes in eight starts, but he clearly needs more playmakers. New England (3-10) ranks last in the league in passing yards (171.5).