Steelers Eye Arizona’s Star Receiver McMillan after Draft Surprises
The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for a potentially unexpected turn of events as they set their sights on Arizona’s standout wide receiver, Tetairoa McMillan. The anticipation surrounding McMillan has peaked following a surprising tumble in the draft rankings, paving the way for the Steelers to consider him as a prime target for their upcoming selections.
Strategic Moves and Missed Opportunities
In the quest to fortify their offensive arsenal, the Steelers are keen on securing a game-changing player who can elevate their performance on the field. General manager Omar Khan’s efforts in 2024 to acquire Brandon Aiyuk and Davante Adams were met with disappointment as the team had to settle for Mike Williams, who fell short of meeting the Steelers’ expectations.
Despite recent acquisitions, the Steelers are in dire need of an immediate impact player for the upcoming season and potentially a long-term solution, especially with George Pickens’ free agency looming in 2026.
McMillan’s Draft Prospects and Profile
CBS Sports’ Blake Brockermeyer has forecasted the Steelers’ potential selection of Tetairoa McMillan with the 21st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing tall at 6 feet 5 inches, McMillan has garnered attention for his exceptional performance, characterized by his ability to make contested catches seem effortless. His reliability as a target is underscored by his fluidity, strong hands, and willingness to make plays across the middle.
However, concerns loom over McMillan’s lack of elite speed, which may confine his role to the short and intermediate passing game. Brockermeyer highlights that McMillan’s draft position hinges significantly on his upcoming testing results, emphasizing that speed may not be his forte.
A Bold Move by the Steelers
The Steelers’ potential decision to draft McMillan at the 21st spot reverberates as a bold move, considering that most mock drafts have consistently placed McMillan within the top 10 picks. Despite his perceived limitations in speed and separation skills, McMillan is widely regarded as the premier wide receiver prospect in this year’s draft class.
With an impressive college track record boasting over 3,400 yards and 26 touchdowns, McMillan’s size, athleticism, and physicality position him as a formidable asset for any team. Should the Steelers opt for McMillan, he could seamlessly integrate into the lineup as an immediate contributor, potentially filling a critical role as the team’s secondary target with the prospect of leading the receiving corps in the future.
While the Steelers’ draft strategy remains undisclosed, the opportunity to secure a talent like McMillan, especially if he falls to their pick, presents a compelling proposition that could redefine the team’s offensive dynamics moving forward.