Tetairoa McMillan, a finalist for this season’s Biletnikoff Award, officially declared for the NFL Draft on Thursday, ending a three-year college run that places him among the best football talents the University of Arizona has produced.
A projected first-round draft pick, McMillan posted his decision on Instagram, nearly two weeks after the Wildcats, picked to contend in their first Big 12 season, finished 4-8.
Despite Arizona’s disappointing season, McMillan was among college football’s top performers. Teamed with quarterback Noah Fifita, a lifelong friend, the 6-foot-5 junior was the focal point of opposing defenses every weekend — yet he still produced. McMillan this season had 84 catches for 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns. The receptions ranked 11th nationally during the regular season. The yardage ranked third.
McMillan leaves school as Arizona’s career leader in receiving yards, finishing with 3,423 in 37 games. He also had 213 catches (fourth most in school history) and 26 touchdowns.
McMillan could be an early pick
When I started studying McMillan’s tape, I didn’t think I would be very high on him because he was only average in terms of creating his own separation. He isn’t a speed demon and his route-running is still a work-in-progress. But his tracking and ball-winning instincts are exceptional and should translate well at the next level (can see his basketball and volleyball background at the catch point).
Despite not being a track star, McMillan is a very limber athlete when adjusting to throws and is at his best on routes where he can stretch out his stride (slants, hitches, go’s, etc.). He should be one of the first offensive players drafted in April because his play style is very similar to Tee Higgins — receivers who won’t wow in the 40-yard dash, but they are playmakers at the catch point. — Dane Brugler, national NFL writer
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(Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images)
