Jalen McMillan Draft Profile | Washington, WR Scouting Report

The Washington Huskies have one of the most talented passing offenses in the nation. Junior wide receiver Jalen McMillan is a big part of that. Just how good can McMillan’s NFL Draft chances be? We take a look at that today.

Jalen McMillan Draft Profile and Measurements

• Height: 6’0″
• Weight: 188 pounds
• Position: Wide Receiver
• School: Washington
• Current Year: Junior

A fourth-year junior in 2023, McMillan saw a massive leap in opportunity and production in 2022. He totaled 79 receptions for 1,098 yards and nine touchdowns as the Huskies‘ No. 2 receiver. McMillan had only three games without a touchdown or at least 59 yards last year.

Jalen McMillan Scouting Report

Strengths

• Capable of lining up as an outside or slot receiver thanks to good size at 6’0″ and 188 pounds.
• He’s a move-the-sticks type of threat who quickly earned the trust of Michael Penix thanks to great hands and reliable route-running ability.
• Can make the right play at the right moment, showing plus awareness of the down and distance and manipulating defenders’ positioning to open a target window.
• McMillan has enough acceleration and burst to create separation at and after the catch point.
• Natural hands catcher with plus body control. He has a solid catch radius that helps bring in errant passes, and he rarely has drops.
• He’s a high-floor talent who can help any offense improve on Day 1.

Weaknesses

• Has a thinner lower body that may not be able to add bulk without losing speed and acceleration ability.
• McMillan relies more on timely movements and nuance than sheer athleticism, decreasing his margin for error at the next level. His NFL quarterback may need to throw him open more often than not.
• Defenses will be happy if they force one-on-one deep looks to McMillan because he’s not overly powerful or dynamic at the catch point.
• Physicality throughout routes and as a blocker leaves room for improvement. He can get moved and disrupted while the ball is in the air.
• He possesses limited upside as a good role player but is not someone who will define an offensive unit.

Current Draft Projection and Summary

Part of one of the best receiving duos in the country, McMillan proved to be incredibly consistent and reliable in Penix’s first season with the Huskies. He caught at least four passes in each game and had only one contest with under 58 yards. He left no doubt about his ability to impact an offense’s ability to keep the chains moving.

McMillan is a player almost every offense likes to have but lacks a dangerous skill set. While possession receivers typically possess plus burst and body control are valuable, their NFL production is rarely notable enough to earn early-round consideration.

MORE: FREE Mock Draft Simulator With Trades

The best version of McMillan in the NFL is probably Zay Jones, who broke out in his seventh season.

Like Jones, McMillan can be valuable for an aggressive quarterback who can help get him into the right spots and make the most of his nuanced skill. Because of that, McMillan has a Day 2 grade entering the season.