Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze—the 2024 draft class was stacked with top-tier wide receivers, each a lock for the top 10. But 2025? It’s a different story. There’s no guaranteed top-10 WR prospect, a stark contrast to last year. Sure, Colorado’s Travis Hunter could be that guy, but many NFL teams project him more as a full-time cornerback. So, when it comes to the best wideout in this class? The answer isn’t clear-cut. However, on Monday, Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan had a golden opportunity to stake his claim as WR1.
McMillan’s Pro Day was his moment to prove he belongs at the top, and if early buzz is anything to go by, he made a statement. In fact, Football Forever’s Instagram post today is blowing up over his jaw-dropping performance. Some NFL evaluators were hesitant—6-5, 219 pounds, big body, solid hands, decent routes, but maybe a tad slow. And McMillan answered almost all doubts. He skipped the 40-yard dash at the combine, but at his Pro Day, the First-Team All-American showcased elite hands, sharp routes, and impressive explosiveness.
Still, one lingering question remains—his long speed. Reports on his 40-yard dash vary, with some placing him at 4.48 seconds, while most clock him in the 4.55–4.58 range. While that isn’t blazing fast, it aligns with his game tape at Arizona. Speed concerns aside, McMillan’s draft stock is rising fast.
Speed isn’t his game—dominance is. He wins with size, precision, and elite route running, not just raw acceleration. He doesn’t need to outrun defenders—he outplays them.
Currently, most mock drafts project him between the 8th and 15th pick. Skipping the combine did hurt his stock slightly, but here’s the twist—a 4.48-second 40-yard dash would be a game-changer. That’s elite speed for a receiver of his size and could solidify him as a top-10 pick. Well, not as elite as Xavier Worthy’s jaw-dropping 4.21-second 40-yard dash at the combine last year. But a good one in 2025 class. With 24 NFL teams watching his Pro Day, one franchise, in particular, may have just found their guy: the New Orleans Saints.
Tetairoa McMillan to New Orleans? The Saints need a WR and so do others
Enter the $4.4 billion powerhouse—the New Orleans Saints. Recent mock drafts from SI’s Alan Goldsher and NFL Spin Zone’s Sayre Bedinger project McMillan landing at No. 9 to the Saints.
New Orleans is in desperate need of a WR1 after a brutal 5-12 season. They aggressively pursued Cooper Kupp before he signed with the Seahawks and have been linked to free-agent WR Keenan Allen. The need is clear. And now, McMillan’s Pro Day may have just given them another option. Could McMillan be the next big weapon in the Big Easy? Don’t be shocked if he’s rocking black and gold on draft night. But not everyone is convinced he’s a perfect fit for the Saints.
According to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz, McMillan’s stock is on the rise as the NFL Draft inches closer. Mid-March just became a turning point for him, and teams are paying attention. Right now, McMillan is favored to be the first WR off the board. DraftKings Sportsbook has him at -280 odds, thanks to his elite athleticism and towering frame. And his college production? It speaks for itself—213 receptions and 26 touchdowns over three seasons at Arizona.
Mock drafts place him in various spots: Ryan Fowler has him going to the Broncos at No. 20, while Pro Football Network projects him to the Patriots at No. 12. If Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter go early, New England could be a logical landing spot. But another intriguing option? The Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6.
The Raiders are sitting near the top of the 2025 NFL Draft, desperate for playmakers in the passing game. While analysts aren’t predicting them to take a WR early, McMillan could force a rethink. Oddsmakers list them as a longshot (+400), but with his elite size, skill, and production, McMillan fits the mold of a dynamic weapon who could reshape their offense. And what if the Raiders prefer a true burner? If they’re looking for a dominant all-around WR1, McMillan might be too good to pass up.
Now, all eyes are on the draft. Will Tetairoa McMillan find his home in New Orleans? Or could Las Vegas take a swing on a potential game-changer? Either way, his 2025 NFL journey is about to begin.
The post Tetairoa McMillan’s NFL Draft Stock Takes Shocking Turn as Huge Pro Day Update Gives Optimism for $4.4B Franchise appeared first on EssentiallySports.