We’re a little over a month away from the 2025 NFL Draft as we continue our player profile series. The next prospect on the docket as an option for the Jacksonville Jaguars with their fifth overall pick is Arizona’s superstar wide receiver, Tetairoa McMillan.
An All-American in 2024, McMillan is largely considered the top wide receiver in the class with the likes of Travis Hunter, Luther Burden III and Matthew Golden also being in the mix.
McMillan has outstanding size for an outside receiver at the NFL level and he pairs that with some refined technique in his hands and as a route runner. Although not the most impressive athletically, McMillan is a long strider who can create enough separation vertically and in his breaks.
Let’s break down all of his strengths and weaknesses as we determine the projection and fit of Tetairoa McMillan for the Jacksonville Jaguars in this 2025 NFL Draft player profile.
Measurables
Height: 6’ 4”
Weight: 219 lbs
Arms: 31.5”
Hands: 10”
per NFL Scouting Combine
Career Statistics
Receptions: 213
Yards: 3,423
Touchdowns: 26
Strengths
Outstanding size and length
Red zone mismatch
A couple of really consistent go-to releases
Smooth strider with enough speed to pull away when in space
Does a great job of extending his hands to catch at the release point
Pretty quick to start/stop on short and intermediate routes for his size
Really good at timing the high point
Acutely aware of the sideline
Weaknesses
Needs to win more consistently against press
Lanky frame doesn’t offer much suddenness when gearing down in his routes
Isn’t the ball winner you would expect in contested situations for his stature
Doesn’t play to his size after the catch
Doesn’t create a ton of separation at the top of his routes
Needs to do a better of job of attacking leverage
Projection and Fit
Tetairoa McMillan’s ceiling is that of a legit WR1 at the NFL level. His size and athletic profile are comparable to the likes of Drake London or Michael Pittman Jr. and he has a similar game as well. All three are “possession” receiver types with excellent length that may lack in top-end speed but make up for it with body positioning and consistent hands.
As far as his fit with the Jacksonville Jaguars, McMillan would instantly slide into the WR2 role opposite Brian Thomas Jr. where his game could be a really nice contrast.
After his incredible rookie season, BTJ put opposing defenses on notice with his speed and dynamic playmaking after the catch which will now certainly be an emphasis for opposing defenses as far as game planning in 2025. This could allow for McMillan to see a lot of single coverage opportunities as a rookie which is where his game really thrives.
Best receiving grade vs single coverage since 2023, minimum 100 routes:
1. Jayden Higgins - 95.5
2. Tre Harris - 94.9
3. Tetairoa McMillan - 94.8
4. Ricky White - 92.9
5. Travis Hunter - 91.9 https://t.co/UYt9uE3gTy
— Football Insights (@fball_insights) February 24, 2025
Conclusion
The early part of free agency has seen the Jags’ new front office and coaching staff make major changes to the roster with the most notable being the trade of Christian Kirk and the release of Evan Engram.
That is quite a chunk of vacated targets to replace and while Brenton Strange, Parker Washington and Gabe Davis are all fine players in their own right, the Jags really need another potential impact pass catcher outside of BTJ.
Tetairoa McMillan has a chance to be just that and should absolutely be in play with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ fifth pick of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Grade: 8.5
Big Cat Country NFL Draft Grading Scale
9.5 to 10 – Top-5 lock. Rare attributes both physically and mentally. Clearly the most talented player on the field in college. Game-changing/wrecking projection at the next level. Potential be top-10 at their position right away.
8.5 to 9.4 – Unquestioned first-round prospect. Elite physical and mental profile. Performed consistently at a high level, no matter the competition in college. Expectations to be an immediate impact player.
7.5 to 8.4 – Mixed opinions on first-round projection. Above average physical profile. Considered a great player at respective school but not a household name. Performs admirably against top competition. Potential to be an immediate starter at the next level. 1-2 round pick.
6.5 to 7.4 – Day 2 prospect. Good athlete but can’t match up with the league’s best. Productive collegiate career. Expectation to perform in a rotational role as a rookie. Potential to become a starter over time.
5.5 to 6.4 – Fringe late Day 2/early Day 3 prospect. Admirable athletic profile. More potential than finished product. Lacking necessary measurables at their position but have found ways to win without them. Rotational piece with a role on special teams as well.
4.5 to 5.4– Day 3 prospect. Either a low ceiling athletically or undersized for their position. Potential for red flag of some sort (exp. Injuries, lack of college production, off-field issues etc.). Still provides an element of intrigue when projecting to the next level. Predominately a special teams player.
3.5 to 4.4 – Bottom half of Day 3 prospect. Underwhelming collegiate career (or small school product). Has a singular trait that’s worth a late round swing of the bat. Chance to compete for a roster spot in training camp. Uphill battle to make final 53.
2 to 3.4 - Priority free agent signee. Traits worth exploring. Camp body.
1 to 1.9 – Clearly not of NFL quality. Lacks the necessary athletic, mental, and skill levels to make any contributions in the league.
Other prospects that Dillon has profiled/graded:
What are your thoughts on McMillan, Jaguars fans? Let us know in the comments below!