Future Broncos: Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillian

If Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan slips in the 2025 NFL Draft, he is a prospect the Denver Broncos should consider that could be a long-term fixture in their offense.

Each and every year as the NFL Draft approaches certain players are rumored to be falling down the board.

In some cases, those rumors come to fruition. Whether it be for medical issues, character concerns or something else entirely—there are prospects that endure a draft day fall. But in many cases, the rumors never transpire, and the prospect gets selected right around where most thought they would be.

Over the past few weeks, several analysts and outlets have predicted a slight draft day tumble for Arizona Wildcats standout Tetaiora McMillan.

The highly touted 5-star recruit had a masterful three years in Tuscon. After bursting onto the scene as a freshman, McMillan turned heads and made the national spotlight with a stellar 2023 campaign that resulted in 90 receptions for 1,402 yards and 10 touchdowns. His 2024 season was also productive, and he reeled in 84 receptions for 1,318 yards earned him All-American honors.

The measurables are there, the talent is evident, and the production and tape speak for itself. That’s why I’d be a bit baffled if he was available when the Broncos pick. Nevertheless, if the Denver Broncos want to address a long-term concern at wide receiver, McMillan certainly merits consideration if available when they are on the clock.

I think it’s a significant stretch he will be there, but why not entertain the scenario? Let’s take a deeper look at the Wildcats standout, his strengths and weaknesses, and why considering him makes a lot of sense in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Player Profile: Tetairoa McMillan — Wide Receiver — Arizona

Height: 6’4” | Weight: 219 pounds | Arm Length: 31-1/2” | Hand Size: 10”

40-yard dash: 4.54 seconds | 10-yard split: 1.58 seconds | Vertical: 38”

Statistics at Arizona: 37 games, 213 receptions, 3,423 receiving yards, 26 receiving touchdowns.

Film Room & Highlights

Hart’s Scouting Report

Positives:

• Possesses great length and size sporting a prototypical build
• Extremely productive on the boundary for the Wildcats the past two years
• No concern on his ability to be a high-volume target in the National Football League given his collegiate resume
• Flexibility and versatility to play inside and out and would thrive as a power slot player in Sean Payton’s offense
• Quality route runner with an expanded tree who can win against man and zone coverage
• Known for highlight reel catches, moving the chains on third down, and dominance in the red zone
• Sure-handed target who only dropped 3.5-percent of targets during his collegiate career
• Battle-tested player with a lot of experience despite just turning 22 years old

Negatives:

• Does not have top-tier speed and opted not to do agility testing during pre-draft process
• Can get occasionally jammed up facing press coverage at the line of scrimmage
• Would like to see him be more physical as a blocker and in high point moments on contested catches
• Needs to improve on finishing off his routes, especially those requiring him to come back to the ball

Hart’s Projection: Top 15 Selection | Middle First Round Value

Why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting McMillan

As I’ve stated in prior wide receiver scouting reports, I do feel good about the receivers the Broncos currently have on the roster. Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, and Devaughn Vele have a lot of potential. However, I do not believe they are players you want to force over 100 targets to through the air in a season.

Longtime veteran Courtland Sutton is expected to lead the way at the position for the team next season. However, the future is less certain. Head Coach Sean Payton and General Manager George Paton have expressed interest in keeping him in the fold. Those talks are currently on hold, but per Paton, are expected to resume after the draft.

There’s no doubt Sutton has been a very productive player and team leader for a very long time. I just wonder how high dollar-wise the Broncos are willing to go in an extension for a player who is set to be 30 years old in October coupled with the exploded market rate for receivers in the league. At some point in time, the Broncos will have to consider life without Sutton. When that will be is anyone’s guess, but the aforementioned are key reasons why finding a potential replacement soon would make sense for Denver.

McMillian’s collegiate resume, physique, and on the field performance standout relative to many of his peers. He doesn’t possess elite speed, but his athleticism is more than fine for his size. Not only that, but he is proficient at routes and concepts that are staples of Payton’s offense. I think he can succeed just fine on the outside in pros and also be thrown into the slot as a mismatch weapon as well.

The Broncos’ brass may very well feel confident in the players they have. Confident enough to bypass utilizing an early selection to add to the room. However, I believe McMillan deserves serious consideration if available at their selection because of his overall potential and fit with the team.