Name: Tetaiora McMillan
Position: Wide Receiver
College: Arizona
Height/Weight: 6-5, 212 lbs
High School: Servite High School - California
40-yard Dash: 4.47 seconds (unofficial)
2024 Stats (Regular Season): 84 receptions, 1,319 yards, 8 touchdowns, 15.7 AVG.
Career Stats: 213 Receptions, 3,423 yards, 26 touchdowns, 16.1 AVG.
PFF Metrics: Overall grade: 84.8. Receiving grade: 85.8. Grade vs. Man Coverage: 87.4. Deep yards: 472 ranked No. 21. Yards After Catch: 5.1. Contested Catch Rate: 60.0 percent.
Tetairoa McMillan football background
Looking for a big receiver with a tremendous catch radius, look no further than Tetairoa McMillan. A five-star recruit out of Servite High School in California, the 6-foot-5, 2012-pound Hawaii native was the highest-ranked signee for the University of Arizona. In committing to the Wildcats, McMillan withdraw his initial commitment to the University of Oregon. McMillan also chose Arizona over big programs like Texas, Notre Dame, and Penn State.
With a chance to play with high school teammate and quarterback Noah Fifita, McMillan shined immediately as Arizona’s new star. He finished his freshman season leading all true freshman with 702 receiving yards to go along with 39 receptions and 8 touchdowns. McMillan followed that up with 90 receptions for 1,402 yards in his sophomore season to gain traction as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the nation heading into 2024.
Despite a down season for Arizona, McMillan ranked third in the nation with 1,319 yards and 84 receptions. He was not only named a 2024 Consensus All-American but also was a finalist for the Fred Biletnikoff Award which was won by Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter. As the top ranked wide receiver entering the 2025 NFL Draft, teams looking for a big-body outside threat will key in on McMillan high in the first round.
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Strengths:
- At 6-foo-5, size is a major strength for McMillan who can play smaller than his flame in out-maneuvering defenders and getting open for his quarterback.
- Has a contested catch rate of 60.0 percent in 2024.
- Has elite athleticism for his size which makes up for his like of speed.
- Possesses an elite catch radius that makes him a prime threat in the red zone and back-shoulder fades. Can go up and get the ball over smaller defenders.
- With his NFL size and elusiveness after-the-catch, McMillan’s versatility can be utilized in multiple schemes as he will be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
- An outstanding deep threat due to his size and athleticism.
- Good hands, reliability as a pass-catcher.
- Clutch receiver in big moments.
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent in his route running.
- Does not possess burning speed to take the top off the defense.
- Although big and athletic, could wilt when it comes to more physical defenders.
NFL Comparison:
It’s hard to look at the size, skillset and athleticism and not think of Tampa Bay Buccaneers star receiver Mike Evans. McMillan didn’t have a top-level quarterback throwing him the ball, so in the right offense on a team with a QB with elite arm talent, McMillan should have the opportunity to live up to the comparison and make a name of his own in the NFL.
2025 NFL Draft projection
McMillan is ranked as the top wide receiver entering the 2025 NFL Draft. This is based on players who will solely play receiver in the NFL. There are a few teams selecting in the top 10 who will be in position to draft McMillan like the New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, and Las Vegas Raiders. He should go high in the top 10, but there’s a possibility he slides just outside the top 10 depending on how the top of the draft shapes out.