The Dallas Cowboys are continuing to make waves in their pursuit of bolstering their receiving corps, with a controversial move ahead of the NFL trade deadline signaling their intentions. Just before the deadline, the Cowboys sent a fourth-round pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for wide receiver Jonathan Mingo. While Mingo, a former second-round pick, brings intriguing raw talent to the team, it’s clear that the Cowboys aren’t done yet when it comes to adding young weapons to their offense.
In a new 2025 NFL Mock Draft from Bleacher Report, the Cowboys are predicted to use their No. 11 overall pick to select Arizona Wildcats standout Tetairoa McMillan, a 6-foot-5, 212-pound wide receiver who has been turning heads with his impressive skill set. While Mingo is seen as a developmental prospect, McMillan is viewed as a more immediate contributor, capable of providing the Cowboys with a much-needed playmaker alongside CeeDee Lamb.
The Need for a True No. 2 Receiver
Despite the splash made by adding Mingo, the Cowboys’ receiving corps still lacks a proven second option to complement CeeDee Lamb. Lamb has established himself as the clear No. 1 target in Dallas, but without a reliable No. 2 receiver to draw defensive attention away from him, opposing defenses have been able to key in on Lamb, often with double coverage.
McMillan, a dynamic playmaker out of Arizona, could be exactly what the Cowboys need. In his junior season, McMillan posted 63 catches for 1,066 yards and 6 touchdowns. His breakout sophomore year in 2023 was even more impressive, racking up 90 receptions for 1,402 yards and 10 touchdowns. With an ability to dominate both on the outside and in the red zone, McMillan is exactly the type of receiver the Cowboys need to diversify their passing attack and provide Lamb with a true complement.
Bleacher Report’s Dane Parson highlighted McMillan’s skill set, noting how his size and playmaking ability would fit seamlessly into the Cowboys’ offense:
“The Cowboys’ receiver room still needs a shot in the arm,” Parson said. “McMillan is a big-time playmaker with the ball in his hands. Whether running routes, working the middle of the field, or dominating at the catch point, his skill set would benefit Dallas’ offense.”
McMillan’s Fit with the Cowboys’ Offense
At 6-foot-5, McMillan is a massive target who can be an immediate red-zone threat for Dak Prescott. His ability to win contested catches and his size make him an ideal weapon on fade routes and jump balls, particularly in the end zone. His physicality, combined with his speed and agility, allows him to excel at all levels of the field, from short slants to deep bombs.
What stands out most about McMillan, though, is his ability to create after the catch. He’s a tough player to bring down in the open field, with the vision and ball-carrying ability to turn short passes into big gains. His diverse skill set would make him a reliable and consistent weapon for the Cowboys in all situations—whether it’s moving the chains or taking the top off the defense.
The *Bleacher Report* mock also notes that McMillan’s addition could help Lamb thrive even more. As Parson pointed out, Lamb needs a reliable second target who can draw defensive attention and give him favorable matchups. McMillan has the size, speed, and route-running ability to do just that.
What McMillan Could Bring to the Cowboys
With Lamb, a potential McMillan, and Mingo (if he develops as expected), the Cowboys would have a much more balanced and dangerous receiving corps in 2025. McMillan’s addition could give Prescott a big-bodied receiver who can win the 50/50 balls that have plagued the Cowboys’ offense in the past.
Additionally, if Mingo continues to develop into the player the Cowboys believe he can be, it could be a game-changer for their passing game. Mingo has flashed big-play potential and could develop into a reliable third option alongside Lamb and McMillan. If all goes well, the Cowboys could have one of the most dynamic receiving groups in the NFC, creating an offense that is tough to defend from all angles.
A High-Risk, High-Reward Strategy for Dallas
The Cowboys’ decision to pursue Mingo—and potentially McMillan—shows that they are serious about adding young, talented receivers to their roster, and they aren’t content with merely having a top-tier No. 1 receiver. The team recognizes that they need depth and playmaking ability to compete with the best offenses in the league, and McMillan could be the player to help fill that void.
With his physical tools and playmaking ability, McMillan could provide the Cowboys with the much-needed second option they’ve been lacking. And if Mingo pans out, it could transform the entire offense, turning it into one of the most balanced and explosive units in the league.
Looking Ahead: Cowboys’ Future Passing Attack
The Cowboys may not be done tweaking their receiver room, but adding McMillan in the 2025 draft would be a major step toward giving Prescott the weapons he needs to lead Dallas to a Super Bowl. Whether it’s pairing McMillan with Lamb or letting Mingo develop alongside him, the Cowboys are positioning themselves to have a formidable passing attack for years to come.
If Dallas can land McMillan with their first-round pick and continue to develop their other young talents, they’ll have a receiving corps capable of putting up points in bunches—something that could be the difference between playoff disappointment and a deep postseason run. The future looks bright for the Cowboys’ offense, and it could all start with a big-time playmaker like Tetairoa McMillan.
