The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping into one of the deeper classes in recent memory. While the quarterback depth isn’t as expansive as the 2024 iteration, skill positions and help on the offensive and defensive lines are at a premium. A key area for many teams to focus on is the wide receiver slot.
While Travis Hunter, thanks to his incredible two-way ability, will lead discussions, there are many other names to monitor as well. One name, however, has seen a severe fall in stock: Tetairoa McMillan. This has sparked a rivalry between his wide receivers coach and an all-time NFL legend, Steve Smith Sr.
Steve Smith Sr. Rips Into Bobby Wade For Tetairoa McMillan Comments
Earlier in the year, Steve Smith Sr. broke down the tape for Tetairoa McMillan and wasn’t very complimentary of his game or ability. Naturally, that sparked some controversy, and Bobby Wade, McMillan’s wide receivers coach, jumped to his defense.
When Smith was coming up in the collegiate ranks, Wade was a wide receiver for the Wildcats. As the Carolina Panthers legend broke down McMillan’s game, Wade criticized, “I just don’t think he’s watched enough film on T-Mac, and that’s just the truth about it.”
“I would tell him to watch more film and really digest it.” However, one of the most prolific receivers of the 2000s decade, Smith was having none of it.
“Bobby, you’re the coach. Now, you’ve been on about 17 million teams in four years, but that’s cool. I’m not gonna talk about that. I don’t dislike your guy. I just know why, reading on the information, you can’t always use someone’s stature as their superpower.”
Yo Bobby !!! I heard what you said! pic.twitter.com/cAhvAsoywz
— Steve Smith Sr. (@SteveSmithSr89) April 4, 2025
Instead, he now turned the gun on Wade himself. “Is T-Mac the problem, or is it T-Mac’s wide receivers coach? If he’s not fighting through, maybe that’s why you weren’t on teams either, because you couldn’t fight through the press either.”
After being drafted in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft, Wade played for the Chicago Bears, Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings, and Kansas City Chiefs over six years, sparking Smith’s comments about his ability.
But the five-time Pro Bowler wasn’t done yet. “Here’s the announcement to all the college guys – If you are cooking with spoiled meat, don’t get mad if I get salmonella – You’re still failing on the health inspection.”
Smith amassed over 14,000 receiving yards and 18,000 all-purpose yards throughout his career, finishing seventh in both marks. His incredible 16-year career has made him one of the most respected voices in the game, particularly when breaking down other wide receivers.
As a result, his comments about McMillan were a shock to many. “The T-Mac evaluation for me, in my humble opinion, is yeah, he’s a No. 1 ranked wide receiver, but he’s not the No. 1 wide receiver,” Smith said. “I think he leaves a lot of plays on the field.”
Continuing, he added, “I don’t think he has the ability to dominate like his size is. I think he’s a jump ball guy, but I don’t see his route tree being very elaborate.”
Since then, the Wildcats alum’s stock has fallen further, with questions about his commitment surfacing thanks to his admission about not watching football alone.
But, in the latest mock draft by PFSN, he remains a first-round lock, landing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who own the 19th overall pick. Paired alongside Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, he could immediately inject some youth and make an already potent offense elite.
However, with a top-10 selection seemingly like a real possibility, his stock has seen some drop-off. But two consecutive years of 1,319 and 1,402 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns over his college career seem like hard numbers to overlook.