The Las Vegas Raiders need a top-to-bottom restoration this offseason, and the wholesale changes began when the franchise hired Pete Carroll to replace Antonio Pierce as head coach.
Among the other big-ticket items on their offseason shopping list is a quarterback, though they may have difficulty finding a franchise field general in the 2025 NFL Draft. They have the sixth overall pick in a class with only two legitimate first-round quarterbacks.
If the Raiders indeed face the worst-case scenario where both Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are gone, one analyst predicts they will pick Mike Evans 2.0, Tetairoa McMillan.
Raiders Projected To Pick Tetairoa McMillan In 2025 NFL Draft
In NFL.com’s latest mock draft, top QB prospects Ward and Sanders are predicted to be snapped early by the Tennesse Titans and New York Jets, respectively. With the Raiders picking at sixth, they are projected to shift their focus to finding a pass catcher to work with the duo of Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers, who both tallied over 1,000 receiving yards last season.
“After watching the Jets vault right over them to secure Shedeur Sanders’ services, the Raiders shift from passer to pass catcher, landing the big-bodied target who appears to be separating himself from the rest of this WR class,” Gennaro Filice wrote.
“Las Vegas is obviously set at tight end with the highly drafted duo of Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, but the receiver room is headlined by Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker.”
Standing at 6’5″, McMillan is a versatile receiver who can line up outside, in the slot, and even attached at the hip of the tight end, so he can maximize mismatches against nickel corners and linebackers.
READ MORE: Tetairoa McMillan’s NFL Draft Hub — Scouting Report, Player Profile, Projection, and More
He is the Arizona record holder for most receiving yards by a true freshman with 702. He doubled his production as a sophomore, totaling a remarkable 1,402 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns. He continued his dominance as a junior, finishing as a Biletnikoff Award finalist and was an All-American.
McMillan, who has drawn comparisons to future Hall-of-Fame wide receiver Mike Evans, has rare ball skills and is an outstanding contested-catch and red-zone threat.
Latest PFSN Mock Draft Projects Raiders Will Draft Ashton Jeanty
In PFSN’s latest mock draft by Justin Lewis, the Jets are predicted to draft Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, and Las Vegas does need reinforcements in the backfield as well.
“It’s rare for a running back to be selected in the top 10 of the NFL Draft these days, with a few exceptions. The Atlanta Falcons picked Bijan Robinson at No. 8 overall in 2023, and the New York Giants drafted Saquon Barkley at No. 2 overall in 2018.
“Ashton Jeanty put up better numbers than both Barkley and Robinson in college, and he is the complete package at running back coming into the NFL.”
Lewis isn’t wrong in his assessment of Jeanty’s prodigious talent. He finished second in Heisman voting this year after leading the country in rushing attempts (374), yards (2,601), and touchdowns (29). Add on his receiving contributions, and Jeanty led the nation with 2,739 scrimmage yards and 30 touchdowns on a ridiculous 397 touches.
Meanwhile, McMillan is projected to be picked as 12th overall by the Dallas Cowboys.
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“The Cowboys are looking at one more shot to prove that Dak Prescott is the answer for their franchise. He’s been good, but he only has one high-level option to distribute the ball to. Pairing Tetairoa McMillan with CeeDee Lamb would take this offense to another level. McMillan’s length is his greatest weapon. He possesses a wingspan matched only by the likes of Mike Evans and Kyle Pitts.
“He’s smooth and technical as a route runner, and he attacks the football and makes it disappear better than almost anyone. However, his lack of post-catch creativity and overall explosiveness means he lacks two of the most consistent indicators for NFL success.”
