Broncos would be lucky if top WR prospect falls to them in 2025 NFL Draft

The Denver Broncos better hope Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest mock draft is correct. 

In his new mock, the ESPN analyst has the Broncos taking Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with pick No. 20.

"McMillan would give [Broncos QB Bo Nix] a sure-handed jump ball artist who uses his great body control and physicality to make tough catches," wrote Kiper. "Pairing him with Courtland Sutton and new tight end Evan Engram would give opponents some game-planning nightmares." 

Whether McMillan would slide to Denver in the first round remains unclear. On its updated big board, Pro Football Focus ranks him as its No. 3 prospect in the class. 

If he did fall to Denver, though, it could be an excellent marriage. Tall wideouts like McMillan (6-foot-4, 219 pounds) typically thrive under Broncos head coach Sean Payton. 

When Payton was with the New Orleans Saints from 2006-21, he coached WR Marques Colston (6-foot-4, 225 pounds). In 10 seasons under the offensive guru, Colston recorded 1,000 receiving yards or more six times. He also finished second in 2006 Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. 

In 17 games in 2024, Sutton (6-foot-4, 216 pounds) finished with career highs in receptions (81) and receiving yards (1,081).

McMillan's frame also helps him make catches in tight pass coverage. Per PFF, he tied for the FBS' seventh-most contested catches (18) in 12 games in 2024. 

McMillan's ability to make tough catches could help the Broncos passing attack stretch the field more. Denver tied for 23rd in the league in yards per pass attempt (6.7). 

Last season, the Broncos made the playoffs for the first time since 2015 but lost to the Buffalo Bills 31-7 in the AFC wild-card round. 

The Broncos must continue improving its roster to go on a deeper postseason run in 2025. Landing a prospect of McMillan's caliber could help them do that.