Draft Profile: Tetairoa McMillan
Running Back, Arizona
6’5, 212 lbs.
Projected: Top Ten Overall
The Pittsburgh Steelers made several attempts going into last season to obtain a premier Wide Receiver after trading away Diontae Johnson. To say that this didn’t work out would be an understatement. There are several positions that the Steelers will be shopping for in free agency- including Defensive Line, Defensive Back, Offensive Line Depth, and they are still looking for a partner for George Pickens. Additionally there are rumors that Pickens may even be on the chopping block. The Steelers could end up looking for multiple receivers in the 2025 NFL Draft.
In addition to lacking a true number two Wide Receiver, depth is needed across the board. Several players that made up last year’s receiver room will not be returning. The Steelers are not sure what they have in second year player Roman Wilson as he was on IR in 2024. While Calvin Austin III did step up last season, he also has an injury history and is not built to withstand a lot of punishment. Getting another every down option across from Pickens in the passing attack is imperative.
Tetairoa McMillan, also known as T-Mac, is considered by many to be the top Wide Receiver in this year’s draft class. He was very productive at Arizona and his quarterback was comfortable looking his way even in double coverage. McMillan stands at 6’5, so it is understandable why he was trusted to go up and get the ball; he is a mismatch against almost any corner he faces.
Strengths:
Size and catch radius are clearly one of T-mac’s biggest strengths. He wins 50/50 balls and has strong, dependable hands. McMillan has very few drops despite being highly targeted. He catches the ball late; meaning that he plucks the ball out of the air at the last second. This gives him another advantage over defensive backs. For his size he is quick and runs good routes. He also has a knack for avoiding big hits by spinning out of contact. He doesn’t take plays off and hustles to make himself a target when his quarterback is forced from the pocket. He’s a good kid that should interview well.
Weaknesses:
For his size, McMillan is built somewhat like Randy Moss as he is tall, very lean, and wiry. He does not have Moss’s speed or athleticism though. McMillan does not play strong or physical so he could stand to add some bulk. The problem with this is that he is already lacking elite long speed. He is quick and agile for his size but he’s not a burner. Physical corners have had success throwing him off his routes.
How he fits:
Tetairoa McMillan is going to be highly drafted by some team and will excite their fan base. The popular opinion is that he is the best wide receiver in this class. Personally, I am in the minority here and I just don’t see it. As of right now he is projected to be drafted in the top 10 overall. If a team is spending this type of draft capital, the expectation should be that they are getting not only a number one receiver, but one that is a threat to score whenever they touch the ball. Due to his lack of elite speed, McMillan is not that type of player and does not create a lot of separation. This is one of those times that I actually hope I am wrong because he seems like a great kid and I really am pulling for him.
Player Comp:
Drake London is the obvious comparison for McMillan. Their games are very similar, and they are close in size. London is slightly shorter and a little heavier. He also does not have elite speed, is known for great hands, and was projected to be drafted in the top ten (he was drafted number eight overall by Atlanta). McMillan was invited to the scouting combine, but I have a strong sense that he will decline to run the 40-yard dash just as London did. A knock on Drake London coming out of college was that his game was similar to that of a receiving tight end. McMillan seems to be more agile than London but I can see the comparison.
If McMillan decides to run a 40 either at the combine or his Pro Day and does well, then I may be way off base here. There will be a team that falls in love with him in interviews. There is no question that he will be a weapon in the red zone. The draft capital that he will command will be steep however. Fortunately it appears that he will go much higher than the 21st pick, so the Steelers will most likely not be faced with making this decision.
