Can Tetairoa McMillan be a Top 10 Pick in the 2025 NFL Draft
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes are on standout college football talents, and Tetairoa McMillan is quickly emerging as a name to watch. The Arizona Wildcats’ wide receiver has dazzled scouts and fans alike with his impressive size, speed, and playmaking ability. But can Tetairoa McMillan solidify his status as a Top 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft? In this article, we’ll dive into his performance stats, key strengths, and what NFL teams are looking for, breaking down whether this rising star has what it takes to crack the elite tier of draft prospects.
Tetairoa McMillan’s Path to the Top 10
Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan finds himself sliding down draft boards. However, in a surprising twist in Matt Miller’s latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft, McMillan lands with the Las Vegas Raiders as the sixth overall pick. Once considered a near-lock for the top 10 and the consensus WR1 in this class, McMillan’s draft stock has taken a hit, suggesting a shift in perception among analysts and scouts as the pre-draft process unfolds.
Miller’s seven-round mock draft, spanning all 257 picks, places McMillan inside the elite tier of prospects he’s been falling away from as of late. The Raiders, sitting at No. 6, scoop up the 6-foot-4, 219-pound pass-catcher, pairing him with a franchise in desperate need of a dynamic offensive weapon. This selection signals an opportunity for Las Vegas and a notable bump for a player falling in the rankings across the board.
A Slide in the Rankings
McMillan’s descent in the 2025 NFL Draft rankings has been a topic of growing discussion, particularly following his performance at Arizona’s Pro Day. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), McMillan faces long odds to crack the top 10, with key statistics falling short of the benchmarks typically associated with elite wide receivers selected early in the first round. His 4.55-second 40-yard dash time, while respectable for his size, lacks the explosive burst teams often covet in top-tier prospects. Additionally, his 2.87 yards per route run (YPRR) and 105.8 passer rating when targeted, while solid, don’t align with the eye-popping efficiency numbers posted by recent top-10 wideouts like Ja’Marr Chase or Garrett Wilson.
These metrics suggest that McMillan, despite his imposing frame and college production, may not possess the separation quickness or consistent dominance that teams prioritize in the upper echelon of the draft. His 2024 season at Arizona showcased his ability to win contested catches and serve as a big-bodied target, tallying 1,067 yards and eight touchdowns on 73 receptions. However, the lack of elite speed and efficiency has led some evaluators to question whether he can translate his college success into immediate NFL stardom.
Scouting Report: Strengths and Concerns
In our recent Tetairoa McMillan Scouting Report, I mentioned that his unique blend of size, hands, and body control is highlighted. At 6-foot-4, he’s a matchup nightmare for smaller cornerbacks, using his long arms and jumping ability to pluck balls out of the air easily. While not the crispest, his route-running shows polish for a player of his stature, and he excels at high-pointing throws in traffic—a trait reminiscent of Mike Evans or Drake London. McMillan’s 2024 tape is littered with highlight-reel grabs, emphasizing his potential as a red-zone weapon and a quarterback’s best friend on third downs.
However, the concerns are real. McMillan’s 4.55 40 time raises questions about his ability to stretch the field vertically, a critical skill in today’s NFL, where speed often separates the good from the great. The 2.87 YPRR indicates he wasn’t consistently creating separation against Pac-12 defenses, and his 105.8 passer rating when targeted suggests quarterbacks weren’t always rewarded for throwing his way. These red flags have contributed to his slide as teams weigh whether his physical tools outweigh his lack of elite athleticism.
A Perfect Fit for the Raiders?
For the Las Vegas Raiders, selecting McMillan at No. 6 could represent a calculated gamble on a high-upside talent. The Raiders’ offense has lacked a true alpha receiver since trading away Davante Adams, and McMillan’s size and catch radius could immediately elevate their passing game. Paired with a quarterback—whether a veteran bridge option in Geno Smith or a rookie selected later in the draft—McMillan offers a safety blanket who can win jump balls and open up the underneath game for other playmakers.
Miller’s decision to slot McMillan to Las Vegas aligns with the team’s need for a foundational piece on offense. While the Raiders might have hoped for a more dynamic prospect at No. 6, McMillan’s potential to develop into a No. 1 receiver could outweigh his current limitations. If he refines his route-running and adapts to the speed of NFL defenses, this pick could look like a steal in hindsight.
Tetairoa McMillan – The Bigger Picture
McMillan’s fall in recent rankings to being projected as the No. 6 pick in Matt Miller’s 7-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft highlights the volatility of the pre-draft process. Once viewed as a can’t-miss prospect, his modest 40-yard dash and statistical profile have cooled the hype, leaving him as a polarizing figure in the 2025 class. For the Raiders, he represents a chance to land a high-ceiling talent at a premium pick. For McMillan, it’s a golden opportunity to prove the doubters wrong and cement his place among the NFL’s elite receivers.
As the draft approaches on April 24, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, all eyes will be on McMillan to see if he can reclaim his status as a top-tier prospect—or if his slide signals a new reality for the Arizona star. For now, the Raiders are betting on his potential, and only time will tell if this marriage pays off.
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