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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tetairoa McMillan
Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tetairoa McMillan

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net  |  By Luke O'Grady  |  Last updated Feb 4, 2025 9:38 PM ET

Tetairoa McMillan NFL Draft Profile

  • College: Arizona
  • College Position: WR (75% wide / 25% slot)
  • Height: 6’5
  • Weight: 215
  • Ideal NFL Position: X wide receiver
  • Year / Age: Junior / 21
  • Draft Projection: Top 10
  • Where I’d Take Him: Top 15

Background

Tetairoa McMillan was a four-star recruit and the 37th-ranked prospect in the country coming out of Servite Highschool (per 247sports) in 2022. He was originally committed to attend Oregon, but de-committed at the end of his final high school season and ended up enrolling at Arizona at the start of 2022.

As a true freshman, he had 700 yards and eight touchdowns in a part-time starter role and flashed his big-play ability with some big games against Colorado and Washington. He became a full-time starter in his sophomore year and really took his game to the next level. He had back-to-back seasons of over 130 targets and 1,300 yards, and also rattled off 10 and eight touchdowns, respectively. His size and play style will likely see him take a majority of his snaps on the outside, though he has shown some nice ability to step inside and produce there as well. Each of his three seasons at Arizona saw him spend almost exactly 75% on the outside and 25% in the slot, per PFF.

His quarterback at Arizona, Noah Fifita, was also his QB in high school, so they naturally had a good connection, and that connection showed up all over the tape. Fifita had a ton of trust in McMillan to make the big play when they needed it, and rightfully so. McMillan averaged over 15 yards per reception every year of his career and improved his contested catch rate each year as well, bringing in 18 contested catches in 2024, one off the highest mark in the country. He’ll leave Arizona as the school's all-time leading receiver with 3,423 career yards, while also finishing top 5 in total receptions and touchdowns.

Strengths

  • Awesome ball skills, huge pair of mitts
  • Really absorbs the ball, dominates at the catch point
  • Moves exceptionally well for his larger size, is faster and quicker than you’d think
  • Good hand usage at the top of his routes, chops well
  • Underrated YAC ability, in the intermediate and screen game
  • Makes the most of size and frame, elite catch radius
  • Willing blocker, does a good job of positioning himself between his man and the play

Weaknesses

  • Not a blazer, can take a little while to get to his top speed
  • Can lack explosion out of his breaks
  • Can disappear at times

Final Thoughts and Chicago Bears Fit for Tetairoa McMillan

When all is said and done, Tet McMillan has the potential to be a perennial All-Pro wide receiver in the NFL. His upside is that high. Standing out with a rare blend of size, speed, and versatility, he can attack your defense at every level of the field. He’s dangerous after the catch, nearly unstoppable in jump-ball situations, and possesses some of the softest, most dependable hands I’ve ever scouted. Simply put, he’s a quarterback’s dream—always open, even when he’s not.

That said, there are some lingering questions about his speed and explosiveness. Thriving in contested catch situations is a valuable skill, but in the NFL, separation is king. While Tet certainly knows how to get open, I’m not convinced he does so at an elite level.

Yes, he moves exceptionally well for his size, but there’s a difference between "moving well for your size" and "moving well" in general, and that distinction matters at the next level. The Chicago Bears will almost certainly look to add another receiver this offseason, likely someone in the Jameson Williams mold to bring true game-breaking speed to Ben Johnson’s offense. Unless Chicago trades down or McMillan experiences a shocking draft-night slide, it’s hard to imagine him holding up a Bears jersey when the picks are in.

Ceiling: Mike Evans

Floor: Plaxico Burress

Pro Comp: Tee Higgins

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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