The Denver Broncos made the playoffs in Bo Nix’s first year in the NFL after an impressive rookie season, finishing 10-7 despite an 0-2 start. Their postseason run ended quickly, though, as they got blown out by the Buffalo Bills in the Wild-Card Round.
Now, head coach Sean Payton and his staff are looking to build on that promising first year for Nix. One expert has them adding more weapons by selecting the top wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Broncos Projected To Select Tetairoa McMillan in 2025 NFL Draft
While the top-ranked Broncos defense kept them in contention for most of the 2024 season, Nix did more than just manage games — he made an impact. Though he ranked one spot below his predecessor, Russell Wilson, in PFSN’s 2024 QB+ metric, the former Auburn and Oregon quarterback finished third in the AP’s Offensive Rookie of the Year voting.
In his rookie season, most of Nix’s targets went to Courtland Sutton and Javonte Williams. The offense ranked 10th in points scored league-wide but was just about average in PFSN’s Offense+ metric.
Denver upgraded its offense this offseason, including the signing of tight end Evan Engram. Now, the Broncos are projected to give Nix a top receiving option, selecting Tetairoa McMillan with the No. 20 pick, according to Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest ESPN mock draft.
However, Kiper suggests that if Denver has the chance to take one of the top two running backs — Ashton Jeanty or Omarion Hampton — they may prioritize the run game after losing Williams in free agency.
“If one of the top two running backs — Ashton Jeanty or Omarion Hampton — is on the board, Denver might try to jump-start the run game. The team’s 4.1 yards per carry ranked in the bottom half of the league last season, and Javonte Williams (who signed with Dallas) hasn’t yet been replaced. But the board fell the way it did in this scenario … Instead, the Broncos can focus on another hole in the offense around quarterback Bo Nix at wide receiver.
“McMillan would give Nix a sure-handed jump-ball artist who uses his great body control and physicality to make tough catches. He broke 1,300 receiving yards in each of the past two seasons. Pairing him with Courtland Sutton and new tight end Evan Engram would give opponents some game-planning nightmares.”
Mel Kiper has the #Broncos drafting Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan at 20.
Imagine.
— Zack Kelberman (@KelbermanNFL) March 18, 2025
Standing 6’5″ and 219 pounds, McMillan is a versatile receiver who can line up outside, in the slot, and even at the hip of the tight end, creating mismatches against nickel corners and linebackers.
He holds Arizona’s record for most receiving yards by a true freshman with 702. He doubled that production as a sophomore, totaling 1,402 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. He continued his dominance as a junior, finishing as a Biletnikoff Award finalist after recording 84 receptions for 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns.
The Broncos are thin at wide receiver, with Sutton being the only one to surpass 600 receiving yards. McMillan wouldn’t just be ready to contribute immediately — he could also be Denver’s WR1 for years to come.
PFSN’s Mock Draft Projection for McMillan and the Broncos
In PFSN’s latest mock draft by Anthony Pasciolla, the Broncos also addressed their receiving corps, but in this scenario, they selected Texas WR Matthew Golden.
“QB Bo Nix had a surprisingly promising rookie campaign for the Denver Broncos, which should hurry the front office’s rebuilding process.
“One of the best ways to do so and supercharge Nix’s development is to strengthen the weapons around him. Heading into his junior season, Golden entered the transfer portal and went to Texas, where he exploded for 987 yards, 58 receptions, and nine touchdowns. He was a key contributor to Texas’ late-season run in the College Football Playoff, particularly against Arizona State, where he dominated with seven receptions for 149 yards and one touchdown.”
Meanwhile, McMillan went off the board early at No. 6 to the Las Vegas Raiders.
“The Las Vegas Raiders added head coach Pete Carroll and QB Geno Smith this offseason, making it known they have no interest in finishing toward the bottom of the NFL standings once again. This is why selecting the best pure wide receiver in the class, Tetairoa McMillan, is a strong choice.
“McMillan is a strong, physical deep threat who, alongside tight end Brock Bowers, could form one of the NFL’s best up-and-coming receiving duos. It’s a recipe for success for the Raiders’ offense in their first season with Smith under center.”