NFL Draft 2025: Cowboys Eye WR Tetairoa McMillan as Possible Future Star — Is He the Next Michael Thomas?

Dallas, TX – April 11, 2025

The Dallas Cowboys are standing at a pivotal moment heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, with franchise-defining decisions looming after a disastrous 2024 season. The team struggled mightily following Dak Prescott’s injury, and aside from CeeDee Lamb, the wide receiver corps failed to offer any reliable production. Now, with questions swirling about the team’s offensive direction, Dallas appears ready to bolster its arsenal — and all eyes are on Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, league insiders are projecting the Cowboys to target McMillan, a 6-foot-5 dynamic playmaker with a skillset that has divided scouting circles.

“The good is really good, but the bad is pretty bad,” one NFL coordinator told Fowler. “The good is elite ball skills, burst after the catch. The bad is not running routes full speed.”

McMillan’s polarizing profile hasn’t stopped at least one NFL coach from drawing a lofty comparison to a former All-Pro:

“He’s not Randy Moss at 6’4″ just blowing past people,” the coach said. “But within 10 yards and at the line of scrimmage, he catches everything. He’s physical, uses long arms to fight defenders off. In a perfect world, he’d be the next Michael Thomas.”

A Clear Need at WR

The Cowboys’ passing game flatlined in 2024 after Prescott’s injury, exposing the lack of depth behind Lamb. Veteran receivers failed to step up, and tight ends were inconsistent. With Prescott expected to return in 2025, surrounding him with more weapons has become a top priority.

McMillan, who caught 81 passes for 1,136 yards and 10 touchdowns in his final collegiate season, fits the mold of a big-bodied, possession receiver — someone who can win contested catches, extend drives, and complement Lamb’s explosive downfield ability.

High Risk, High Reward?

The biggest concern with McMillan centers around effort and consistency. Scouts have questioned his route-running tempo and occasional lapses in focus, but the raw talent is undeniable.

“There are flashes of brilliance,” another scout said. “If you put him in the right system with strong leadership, he could flourish. If not, he could disappear.”

The Cowboys’ track record with receiver development has been mixed, but pairing McMillan with quarterback-friendly offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer could give the prospect his best shot at success.

Draft Strategy in Focus

The Cowboys currently hold the 17th overall pick, and with offensive line and cornerback also areas of need, it remains to be seen whether Dallas will pull the trigger on McMillan in the first round or trade back to accumulate picks.

Still, if the board falls right and McMillan is available, Dallas might find it hard to pass up a receiver with All-Pro upside — even if it comes with risk.

Final Thoughts

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Cowboys are looking to reinvent their offense and re-establish themselves as contenders in a competitive NFC. Whether Tetairoa McMillan is the answer or another gamble remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: