Devy Diamonds: Tetairoa McMillan, Wide Receiver, Arizona
Welcome to Devy Diamonds: Tetairoa “Tet” McMillan was a 4-star prospect from Servite High School in Anaheim, California. He originally committed to Oregon in August of 2021, however, he would decommit later that year in December. On that same day of announcing he would no longer be attending Oregon, he committed to Arizona.
McMillan made an impact his freshman season even when only catching 39 of 81 targets. He averaged 18 yards per catch while acquiring 702 yards with 8 touchdowns.
In his sophomore season, he saw an increase in opportunities receiving 134 targets. He increased his catch rate by 19% catching 90 targets. His yards per catch did take a slight dip, but not by much. In total he had 1,402 receiving yards with 10 touchdowns.
2024 Outlook: What to Expect
Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has the potential to become the top wide receiver in the nation during his 2024 campaign. To be honest, some already have him as the top receiver in the nation. This is because he has an extraordinary wingspan and great athleticism. McMillan’s physical attributes allow him to outmaneuver defenders, making him a formidable deep threat and a reliable target in contested catch situations. His impressive wingspan enhances his catch radius. This trait allows him to haul in passes that would be out of reach for most receivers. His stretched length combined with his agility and speed allow him to create separation and gain significant yards after the catch.
McMillan’s ability to leverage these physical advantages makes him a versatile and dynamic playmaker. He alone is capable of transforming Arizona’s passing game and consistently posing a threat to opposing defenses. The team lost their WR2, Jacob Cowing, in the NFL draft. Plus, their third and fourth best-receiving options in tight end Tanner McLachlan and running back Michael Wiley also to the NFL draft. I say this because with no clear-cut WR2 for Arizona right now the opportunities for McMillan could be monumental this season. His unique combination of size, speed, and athletic prowess could position McMillan as a prime candidate to dominate the national stage and emerge as the top wide receiver in college football.
Strengths:
- Catch Radius. McMillan possesses an extraordinary wingspan allowing him to have an enormous catch radius. This trait allows him to snag passes making him a reliable target in even tight coverage situations.
- Athleticism. For his size, he runs with fluidity like a small shifty receiver. His ability to accelerate quickly and change direction sharply makes him a constant threat in the passing game.
- Route-Running. His precise and sharp route-running skills enable him to consistently create separation and find open spaces in defenses. He has a diverse route tree making him a versatile wide receiver.
- Football IQ. His high awareness helps him understand defensive coverages which helps him adjust his routes accordingly. Because of this, he is a reliable target that can adapt on the fly.
- Work ethic. McMillan is known to have a strong work ethic consistently improving his skills to be one of the best on the field at all times.
Areas of Improvement
- Consistency. While McMillan shows flashes of brilliance, he sometimes struggles with consistency in his performance. Maintaining a high level of play throughout the season could elevate his draft stock further.
- Blocking. Improving his blocking technique and effort can make him a more complete player and valuable asset in the run game.
- Physicality. Although he excels in some contested catches due to his length, there are times when he can be outmuscled by stronger defensive backs. Enhancing his physical strength can help him better handle physical coverage.
- Route timing. Occasionally, McMillan’s timing on routes can be slightly off, leading to missed opportunities.
Draft Stock: Eligible 2025
Consensus Projected Draft Capital: First Round Pick
Personal Projected Draft Capital: First Round Pick
Ideal Landing Spot: Los Angeles Rams
Crazy right? Hear me out, Cooper Kupp is closer to retirement than he is still in his prime. Which nothing is wrong with that he is a reliable receiver for the Rams when healthy. The team has emerging star Puka Nacua as the wide receiver who can line up anywhere to be effective similar to Kupp. But what they do not have is a wide receiver to fill the role opposite of Nacua when Kupp hangs up his cleats. Will Kupp retire at the end of this season? Probably not, but that could depend on whether or not he stays healthy throughout the season. The Rams have the offensive weapons to make a playoff run this season, however, their defense seems to be in a rebuild mode.
To secure a wide receiver like McMillan the Rams will need to have a top 15 pick at the very least. Right now I have them flirting closer to the 20th overall pick. Although this next draft will likely be defensive heavy a receiver like McMillan will be in consideration for a top 2 wide receiver of this draft. The Rams might need to lock in a top-10 pick to secure him. McMillan would bring a red zone threat to the Rams with reliable hands and the ability to stretch the field. He would compliment Nacua well and allow the Rams to not go into full rebuild mode with their wide receiver room. Matthew Stafford is in the same boat as Kupp meaning he could retire at any time now. To be honest, Stafford and Kupp may retire at the same time. Any new quarterback, whether that be a rookie or veteran, would love to have two reliable wide receivers like Nacua and McMillan on the opposite side of their passes.
Fantasy Impact
McMillan is set to make a significant impact on the Arizona Wildcats in 2024, making him a prime candidate for college fantasy football teams. As a standout wide receiver, McMillan has already demonstrated his ability to create explosive plays and be a reliable target in crucial situations. His exceptional speed, agility, and route-running skills allow him to consistently be a target for the Wildcats offense. Arizona will likely rely on him as their primary receiver which means he could get flustered with even more targets than his 2023 season (134). He is poised to amass substantial receiving yards and touchdowns, making him a valuable asset in college this season.
Transitioning to the NFL, McMillan’s impact on an NFL roster is expected to be just as significant. His collegiate success, marked by impressive stats and highlight-reel plays, will make him an attractive NFL prospect. Once in the league, his ability to stretch the field and create separation from defenders will translate well to the professional level. His strong hands and ability to make contested catches will make him a reliable target for any NFL quarterback. Plus, his versatility and athleticism will allow him to fit into various offensive schemes, making him a day-one starter who will make an immediate impact. Fantasy football managers can expect McMillan to be an early first-round draft pick come rookie drafts. He will be a great investment in both redraft and dynasty formats.
Thank you for checking out Devy Diamonds: Tetairoa McMillan. Follow @TheFFUniverse on X to stay tuned for future Devy Diamonds, our rankings, and much more fantasy football insight to help you stay ahead of your leagues, and check out our Rankings Page. Also, check out the full video breakdown on The Fantasy Football Universe YouTube Channel.
