The wide receivers available in the 2025 NFL Draft class are widely considered below average — both in elite-level talent and overall depth. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some intriguing prospects. Tetairoa McMillan is widely viewed as the best receiver in this class. While the class as a whole might seem weak, McMillan would be a top prospect in any year.
According to PFSN’s scouting report, the former Arizona Wildcat has good size and athleticism. He’s versatile enough to line up outside, in the slot or next to the tight end, which helps create mismatches with opposing defenses.
The biggest knock on McMillan is his speed and ability to create separation. Still, that shouldn’t be enough to scare teams off. He has all the traits that project him to be an immediate contributor at the next level. That’s why multiple teams are expected to have serious interest in adding him to their roster.
In PFSN’s recent piece on likely rookie landing spots, McMillan shows up as a perfect fit for three teams.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers ranked 24th overall in PFSN’s Offense+ metric for 2024 with a D+ grade — which sounds worse than it actually is. While the Panthers still have issues to address, quarterback Bryce Young is showing promise. What he needs now is a reliable weapon, and McMillan fits that bill.
Carolina already has a young core of pass catchers in Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker and Ja’Tavion Sanders, but McMillan would elevate the group with his potential to make an immediate impact.
“McMillan may not have the speed to create home-run threats down the field, but he does have the size, strength and ball skills to be a high-volume target at the next level, as well as a tremendous red zone threat.”
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys’ offense didn’t fare much better than Carolina’s in 2024, ranking 23rd overall with the same D+ grade.
Dallas is fortunate to have CeeDee Lamb, but he can’t carry the entire passing game on his own. Lamb was the Cowboys’ receiving leader in nearly every category, and defenses keyed on him because of it. That opened up looks for Jalen Tolbert and tight end Jake Ferguson, but adding McMillan could shift the balance.
“McMillan offers an enticing blend of size, precise route running and strong hands — a skill set that could give Dallas a legitimate second alpha on the outside. McMillan has the potential to immediately elevate the Cowboys’ offense and help them return to playoff contention.”
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos’ 2024 offense got a spark from then-rookie quarterback Bo Nix. The team performed better than expected and made the playoffs for the first time since 2015.
That positive momentum could continue with a weapon like McMillan. Denver ranked 16th in offense by PFSN with a C grade. Their top receiver, Courtland Sutton, was productive, but many analysts believe he’s better suited as a strong WR2.
“McMillan is a big-bodied pass catcher with an outstanding catch radius and hands. He has rare ball skills and excels in contested-catch situations and red zone targets. While McMillan has everything you want in a possession receiver, what sets him apart is that he also has the athleticism of a smaller, quicker wideout.”