The Arizona Wildcats are set to send another star to the NFL, as wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan continues to elevate his draft stock ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. McMillan, who has been a standout player for Arizona over the last few seasons, is now firmly projected as a first-round pick next April. According to The 33rd Team’s updated NFL mock draft, the 6-foot-4 wideout is slated to be selected 13th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals.
McMillan’s combination of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability has made him one of the most highly anticipated wide receivers in the upcoming draft class. After a sensational season in 2023, McMillan has put himself in position to be one of the first wideouts off the board, with some experts even predicting that he could be the first receiver selected.
Bengals’ Need for a New Target
The Cincinnati Bengals are a team with high aspirations, led by star quarterback Joe Burrow. The Bengals have one of the league’s top wide receiver rooms, headlined by the elite Ja’Marr Chase. However, there are concerns about the future of Tee Higgins, the team’s second-best receiver, whose contract situation remains unresolved. Add in Higgins’ injury woes this season, and the Bengals may be looking to add another playmaker to complement Chase in the near future.
Enter McMillan. A dynamic threat on the outside, McMillan would give Burrow a big-bodied target capable of making contested catches in critical situations. His size and catch radius make him an ideal red-zone weapon, and his ability to stretch the field could give the Bengals offense another explosive element. If Cincinnati decides to part ways with Higgins, drafting McMillan would be a seamless way to reload the wide receiver corps for the future.
McMillan’s Physical Tools Set to Translate to the Next Level
What makes McMillan such an appealing prospect is his blend of size, speed, and technical ability. Standing at 6-foot-4 and possessing a frame that can outmuscle defenders, McMillan is a matchup nightmare. He’s proven to be a reliable target in contested situations, and his ability to high-point the ball and create separation in tight spaces makes him a major red-zone threat. His combination of size and fluidity is rare for a receiver his height, and scouts believe he could thrive as a big-play receiver in the NFL.
One of McMillan’s most impressive traits is his outstanding catch radius. Whether it’s a deep shot down the sideline or a jump-ball in the end zone, he has the skills to track and secure tough throws that many receivers would struggle with. This ability to win in the air is especially valuable in the NFL, where contested catches often separate the elite receivers from the rest of the pack.
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A Strong Final Season in the Desert
McMillan has put together another stellar season for the Wildcats, despite Arizona’s struggles on the field. The team sits at 3-6 and is unlikely to make a bowl game, which could make this his final stretch in college football. Nevertheless, McMillan has continued to shine and raise his draft stock, and he remains one of the top wideouts in the nation. In the Wildcats’ most recent game, a tough loss to the UCF Knights, McMillan caught six passes for 84 yards and a touchdown, averaging 14 yards per reception. With those stats, he has now surpassed 1,000 yards receiving for the second consecutive year — a remarkable feat for any college receiver.
While Arizona’s 2023 season has not gone as planned, McMillan’s individual performance has continued to be a bright spot. His consistent production, despite the Wildcats’ struggles, only highlights his NFL-ready skills.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
As McMillan prepares for what will likely be his final few games in college football, the eyes of NFL scouts will remain firmly fixed on his every move. Arizona’s next game is against the Houston Cougars on Friday night at Arizona Stadium, and McMillan will have another opportunity to further solidify his draft status in front of a national audience. The game is scheduled to kick off at 10:15 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on FS1.
With a strong finish to the season, McMillan could very well be the first wide receiver off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft, and there’s a growing sense that whichever team selects him will be getting a player capable of making an immediate impact. For the Bengals, taking McMillan with the 13th overall pick could be the move that propels their offense to new heights, alongside Burrow and Chase in one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the NFL.
As McMillan continues to make waves in his final college season, it’s clear that his future is bright — and it just might shine the brightest on the biggest stage in the NFL.
