PATRIOTS SCOUTING REPORT: Arizona Wildcats WR Tetairoa McMillan
- Matthew R.P. Brown
- Jan 25
- 2 min read
The New England Patriots have been without a franchise wide receiver ever since Julian Edelman retired four years ago. With just a handful of players worth the fourth overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, could a WR1 finally be on its way back to Foxborough?
Listed at an unverified 6’5”, 210 lbs by the University of Arizona, Tetairoa McMillan saw nearly 80% of his collegiate snaps come out wide. He’s a prototypical X-receiver who understands how to win at all three levels. He has shown the ability to consistently beat press coverage on the outside, while being able to find the openings when facing zone coverage. When given a free release as a bigger option out of the slot, McMillan is incredibly versatile for a prospect with his measurables.
McMillan possesses an impressive shoulder dip paired with consistent acceleration to create separation when facing press coverage. At the line of scrimmage, he understands how to use his size to get positioning on the defensive back. Where it would be nice to see a player with the size of Tetairoa win is at the top of his routes. Too often, he allows the defender to get into his pads forcing McMillan to re-route and by that time, he’s more than likely out of the play.
At the NFL level, Tetairoa McMillan will be pressed at the line of scrimmage and defensive backs are going to try to get into his pads, in hopes of forcing him to play smaller than he truly is. I’d like to see him take advantage of his elite size, become more physical at the top of his routes, and trust his hands to help him create separation.
Summary: Another prospect who lacks the ability to consistently separate at certain points of his routes may scare Patriots fans away. The potential McMillan possesses — paired with his projected measurables — will all but secure him a selection within the top ten picks of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Draft projection: Early first round
Reminds me of: Nico Collins - Michigan Wolverines
Photo credits: Mike Christy, Arizona Athletics
Comments