First-Round Receiver for the Packers? Tetairoa McMillan Could Be the Game-Changer
A Long-Awaited First-Round Receiver?
For over two decades, the Green Bay Packers have resisted drafting a wide receiver in the first round of the NFL Draft. The last time they did, Tetairoa McMillan wasn’t even a year old. Now, as the 2025 draft approaches, the Arizona Wildcats star is emerging as a legitimate possibility to break that trend.
Brian Gutekunst’s Exclusive Visit to Arizona
Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst made headlines when he became the only GM to attend McMillan’s private workout at the University of Arizona. The timing was no coincidence—there were no major pro days scheduled, making it clear that Gutekunst had a strong interest in evaluating McMillan up close.
With McMillan widely regarded as one of the top receivers in the draft class, Green Bay could finally be in position to make a bold move and secure a game-changing weapon for Jordan Love.
What Makes Tetairoa McMillan Special?
Standing at 6-foot-4 1/4 and weighing 219 pounds with massive 10-inch hands, McMillan has all the physical tools to dominate at the next level. His ability to win contested catches, paired with elite body control, makes him an enticing prospect for a Packers team looking to bolster its receiving corps.
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah sees shades of Drake London in McMillan’s playing style, emphasizing his smooth movement and red-zone prowess. “The size is outstanding. The body control and ball skills are as good as you’re going to see,” Jeremiah noted.
A Stellar Collegiate Career
McMillan’s numbers at Arizona were nothing short of spectacular. Over three seasons, he amassed 213 receptions for 3,423 yards, averaging an impressive 16.1 yards per catch. In 2024 alone, he led the Pac-12 with 1,319 receiving yards.
Arizona Wildcats head coach Brent Brennan couldn’t stop praising his star receiver. “T-Mac is something different,” Brennan said at McMillan’s pro day. “His movement, his short-range quickness, his catch radius is totally unique.”
What About Speed?
McMillan clocked a 4.50 in the 40-yard dash—not blazing speed, but far from a concern. His ability to make defenders miss and his physical dominance more than compensate for the lack of elite straight-line acceleration. He ranked fourth among draft-eligible receivers with 18 contested catches and forced 29 missed tackles, proving his ability to turn short gains into big plays.
Beyond the Field: A Model Teammate
Beyond his on-field production, McMillan is known for his professionalism and discipline. “He was a player that was never on a list, never late, never had an academic issue,” said Brennan. “NFL teams love guys who are serious about their business, and there’s no question T-Mac is extremely serious.”
Will the Packers Finally Pull the Trigger?
Since taking over as GM, Gutekunst has consistently stated that Green Bay has never been philosophically opposed to drafting a receiver in the first round. “I don’t think we’d ever hesitate to take a receiver in the first round if the right one was there,” he said at the Scouting Combine.
With McMillan checking all the boxes, the 2025 NFL Draft could be the moment Packers fans have been waiting for. Could this finally be the year Green Bay invests a first-round pick in a dynamic pass-catcher? If so, McMillan might be the perfect fit.
