Top wide receiver prospect declares for 2025 NFL Draft
Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s projected as the top outright receiver in the draft coming away from the college football regular season.
The New England Patriots have been chasing a top-end wide receiver for a few years now. On pace to pick near the top of the 2025 NFL Draft and with the quarterback position now taken care of, this could be their chance to get that player.
If wide receiver is the route the Patriots go at the top of this draft, the top outright player (with Travis Hunter’s preferred position pending) at the position is projected to be Tetairoa McMillan out of Arizona. McMillan, who just wrapped up his true junior season, officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday.
McMillan was the leading receiver among Power Four conference players this past season. Despite playing for a weak Arizona team he caught 84 passes for 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns in 12 games. With that performance McMillan is one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to college football’s best wide receiver.
As a pro prospect, the first thing that stands out about McMillan is his size. At 6-foot-5, 212 pounds he has the prototypical build of a natural outside ‘X’ wide receiver. He makes the most of his frame, with a massive catch radius and outstanding body control that make him a true threat along the sidelines and in jump ball situations.
However, what sets McMillan apart is that he’s not one of those receivers who wins purely on size. He moves much more like a smaller slot receiver. His quickness, route running ability, and ability to create after the catch with the ball in his hands make him a true mismatch.
MORE: Tetairoa McMillan and other top prospects for Patriots fans to know
Teams’ biggest question about McMillan will likely involve his straight-line speed. He’s not slow, but hardly a burner. His 40-time at the NFL Combine – if he runs – will be telling. McMillan also didn’t face a ton of press coverage in college, something he’ll need to adjust to in the NFL.
McMillan is part of the early group of players declaring for the NFL Draft. Luther Burden III – another top receiver – declared last week. Top players at other Patriots positions of need have also started declaring, including LSU left tackle Will Campbell.
For players not taking part in the College Football Playoff, there is a soft deadline of Jan. 6 and a hard deadline of Jan. 15 to officially forego their remaining eligibility and declare for the draft. For players on teams that go deep into the CFP, the deadline is Jan. 24.
