2024 Exclusive Sneak Peek: Jalen McMillan, WR Washington
Welcome to the Exclusive Sneak Peek: Jalen McMillan, Hailing from Fresno, California, McMillan attended the University of Washington after graduating from San Joaquin Memorial High School. He was rated as a 4-star recruit by ESPN and 247 Sports and was ranked as the #6 wide receiver in the 2020 recruiting class.
During his freshman year in the shortened 2020 season, he played only three games and failed to make an impact, finishing the year with just one catch for 16 yards. As a result, McMillan ended up using his red shirt.
For the 2021 season, he displayed the potential of his prospect profile by leading the Huskies in receiving yards. He finished the season with 39 catches, 470 yards, and 3 touchdowns.
During the year 2022, Jalen had an outstanding season. He was the leading player in both receptions and touchdowns for the Huskies. His performance caught the attention of NFL scouts. Throughout the season, he managed to score 9 touchdowns and achieve a total of 79 receptions for 1,080 yards.
In the beginning of 2023, he had a great start with 20 catches and 311 yards through 2 1/2 games. However, he injured his knee while playing against Michigan State and did not catch another ball until over two months later when he played against rival Washington State. Despite the knee injury, he managed to finish the season with a respectable 45 catches, 559 yards, and 5 touchdowns.
On January 10th, McMillan declared for the NFL draft and is expected to be selected as a day 2 pick in the NFL.
Measurables
NCAA Statistics
| Receiving | Rushing | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| 2020 | Washington | Pac-12 | FR | WR | 3 | 1 | 16 | 16.0 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 7.0 | 0 | 3 | 30 | 10.0 | 0 |
| 2021 | Washington | Pac-12 | FR | WR | 11 | 39 | 470 | 12.1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 39 | 470 | 12.1 | 3 | |
| *2022 | Washington | Pac-12 | SO | 13 | 79 | 1098 | 13.9 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 0 | 80 | 1100 | 13.8 | 9 | |
| *2023 | Washington | Pac-12 | JR | WR | 11 | 45 | 559 | 12.4 | 5 | 3 | 30 | 10.0 | 1 | 48 | 589 | 12.3 | 6 |
| Career | Washington | 164 | 2143 | 13.1 | 17 | 6 | 46 | 7.7 | 1 | 170 | 2189 | 12.9 | 18 | ||||
Scouting Reports
Strengths
- Can take the top off an NFL defense with his vertical speed out of the slot.
- Has the ability to attack all levels of the field.
- Shows nuance in routes with his acceleration and deceleration abilities.
- He has a quick release off the line of scrimmage, giving him an edge in his routes.
- Dynamic athlete in space, who excels at creating yards after the catch.
- A versatile wide receiver who excels both inside and outside but does most of his damage when playing from the slot position.
Weaknesses
- He can be bothered by physical players due to his thinner frame.
- Willing run blocker who lacks bulk to be an asset in the run game.
- From time to time, concentration drops will show up.
- I would like to see him improve his ability to break tackles.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Expected Draft Capital: Round 3
Ideal Landing Spot: Cleveland Browns Pick 87
Jalen McMillan is an impressive wide receiver prospect who is being overlooked as the 2024 NFL draft approaches. He excels at playing the slot position and has the skills to win against both man and zone coverage. His speed is exceptional, allowing him to consistently stretch the field.
Cleveland would benefit from having another talented wide receiver like McMillan, given the lack of difference-making talent in their current receiving corps outside of Amari Cooper. Drafting McMillan and allowing him to learn under Cooper’s guidance would help him elevate his game to the next level.
With Day 2 draft capital McMillan will be a player to target in round 3 of rookie drafts, as he can be a PPR machine in the right NFL offense.
Post-Draft Analysis
Pick 3.92 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
McMillan
Check out The Fantasy Football Universe video breakdown of Jalen McMillan below.
