With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, here is a look at wide receiver prospect Tetairoa McMillan, a weapon the New Orleans Saints should target.
One thing that was clear during the embarrassing 2024 season for the 5-12 New Orleans Saints is that they need more help at wide receiver. The team does have two promising young receivers in Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, but New Oleans struggled to get much out of other guys on the roster. That was painfully clear when both guys went down with injury during the season.
The Saints can dramatically change the wide receiver room in the 2025 NFL Draft. With possession of the No. 9 pick in the first round, New Orleans has the chance to land talented prospect Tetairoa McMillan.
Saints should target Tetairoa McMillan in 2025 NFL Draft
Accolades: 1st team All-American, 1st team Big 12, Biletnikoff Award Finalist
2024 stats: 84 receptions, 1,316 yards, 8 touchdowns
Size: 6’5”, 212 lbs
Projection: 1st round
Tetairoa McMillan is a quintessential X receiver who thrives in contested-catch situations. The Saints already have their speedsters at receiver; however, they need an X receiver who can reliably bring down contested catches to move the chains.
The former Wildcat uses his frame effectively, always giving him advantages in jump balls. He ranks fourth in the FBS with 19 contested catches. McMillan doesn’t wait for the ball to come to him; he reaches it before his opponent. His impressive coordination and body control make it nearly impossible to free the ball once it’s in his hands.
McMillan is a surprisingly good route runner for his size. He is a fluid mover and makes sharp cuts when needed. He can struggle to create separation at times; however, he’s still able to make the catch, just over the defender instead of away. McMillan is the quarterback’s best friend while being under pressure. He understands when his passer is in trouble and moves to find an open space to deliver the ball.
It becomes a nightmare for defenses to bring down McMillan once he has the ball in his hands. In 2024, he forced 29 missed tackles which ranks third in the FBS. He’s a rare blend of elusiveness and power that’s difficult to defend.
McMillan is a more-than-willing blocker in the run game. That’s a crucial trait for any team with an outside zone rushing scheme, which the Saints have. He has the power to push smaller defenders out of the way, clearing a path for the runner. His technique could improve but the important thing is that the effort is there.
McMillan doesn’t contain top-end speed, capable of running past a defender. His 40-yard dash likely won’t blow anyone away at the NFL Combine. However, that’s not needed from an X receiver. It’s more important that he’s a reliable target for the quarterback, which he is.
Tetairoa McMillan is exactly what the Saints need to elevate their offense. Adding him to the tandem of Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed would create a dangerous receiving core for opposing defenses.
