Patriots in Prime Position to Land Impact Receiver Tetairoa McMillan in 2025 NFL Draft
Holding the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots are in a strong position to add a game-changing player to their roster. During the NFL Scouting Combine, Patriots Head Coach Mike Vrabel was asked about the team’s plans to support Drake Maye, and his response hinted at a major need—an elite wide receiver.
“You have to be able to, you know, have some guys that can help him on the edges and be able to make contested catches,” Vrabel stated, signaling a focus on securing a dominant boundary receiver.
The player who best fits that description? Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Standing at 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, McMillan had a stellar 2024 season, recording 84 receptions for 1,316 yards and eight touchdowns. His combination of size, athleticism, and contested-catch ability makes him a perfect target for a young quarterback like Maye.
Pro Football Focus Lead Draft Analyst Trevor Sikkema also made the connection between McMillan and the Patriots during a segment on NFL Network, highlighting how Vrabel’s comments align with McMillan’s skill set.
“He (Vrabel) started talking about praising an X-type of wide receiver, a guy on the boundary who can be Drake Maye’s best friend who he can go to and throw to in any situation. Sure sounds a lot like Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan if you ask me,” Sikkema explained.
McMillan has drawn comparisons to A.J. Green, Mike Evans, and Drake London, further emphasizing his potential as a dominant No. 1 option. With Tennessee, Cleveland, and the New York Giants—the three teams picking ahead of the Patriots—unlikely to select McMillan, New England is in a prime position to land him.
For the Patriots, securing McMillan would be a game-changer. Maye struggled in his rookie season due to a lackluster supporting cast, and adding a true X-receiver like McMillan could be the key to unlocking his full potential. This move would not only provide Maye with a go-to target but also give the Patriots a dynamic young duo to build around for the future.
