Tetairoa McMillan: The Hottest Wide Receiver Prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft
A Rising Star in the Draft Conversation
Tetairoa McMillan is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. With multiple NFL teams cutting or trading star wide receivers, there is now an increased demand for young, talented pass-catchers. McMillan, with his impressive college resume, is a prime candidate to fill those gaps.
NFL Teams Creating Room for McMillan
Several franchises have made shocking moves in recent weeks, parting ways with high-profile receivers to clear cap space and inject fresh talent into their rosters. The San Francisco 49ers, for example, traded Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders, possibly making them a contender for McMillan at pick No. 11. The New York Jets, holding the No. 7 selection, released Davante Adams, leaving a glaring need for a new No. 1 target. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks, with the No. 18 pick, have cut ties with Tyler Lockett and are actively shopping D.K. Metcalf.
Dallas Cowboys Emerge as a Top Destination
Despite interest from other teams, ESPN’s latest two-round mock draft has linked McMillan most strongly to the Dallas Cowboys. Draft analyst Jordan Reid predicts that the Cowboys will select him with the No. 12 overall pick, filling a critical need in their offense.
“The Cowboys desperately need a running mate for wide receiver CeeDee Lamb,” Reid explains. “McMillan is a big-bodied target at 6-foot-4, 219 pounds with a good catch radius. He can also run well after the catch, ranking third in the FBS among receivers with 27 forced missed tackles. McMillan is capable of playing both the slot and outside, making him an ideal WR2.”
A Dominant Collegiate Career at Arizona
During his three seasons with the Arizona Wildcats, McMillan racked up 213 receptions for 3,423 yards and 26 touchdowns. His ability to win contested catches, create separation, and make plays after the catch has made him one of the most sought-after wideouts in this year’s draft class.
However, one question mark remains—his speed. McMillan opted not to participate in the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, leaving teams to wait until Arizona’s Pro Day in two weeks to see how he performs in the 40-yard dash. His performance there could solidify his draft stock or raise concerns about his ability to stretch the field at the NFL level.
Potential Draft Spots for McMillan
McMillan’s draft stock varies widely, with projections placing him anywhere from No. 5 to No. 19. The Jacksonville Jaguars have been linked to him at No. 5, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could potentially take him at No. 19. If selected in the top 10, he would become the highest-drafted player in Arizona Wildcats history, surpassing Ricky Hunley, who was taken seventh overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1984.
The Countdown to the 2025 NFL Draft
With the draft set to take place from April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, all eyes will be on McMillan’s Pro Day performance. If he impresses scouts, he could cement himself as a top-10 pick. Regardless of where he lands, one thing is clear—Tetairoa McMillan is poised to make a major impact in the NFL.
