Before the 2025 NFL Draft process kicked into high gear, there was little debate—Tetairoa McMillan was the top wide receiver prospect in his class. The Arizona standout had already proven himself with elite size, measuring in at 6-foot-4 and 219 pounds, along with an impressive display of ball skills on tape. However, one major question mark loomed over his draft stock: speed.
That concern only intensified when McMillan opted out of running the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, opening the door for Texas' Matthew Golden to steal the spotlight. Golden didn't waste the opportunity, lighting up the track with a blazing 4.29-second 40-yard dash—good enough to lead all receivers at the event. Suddenly, whispers began swirling. Could McMillan’s WR1 status be slipping away?
But on Monday, at his pro day, McMillan sent a message loud and clear—he’s still the best receiver in this class.
McMillan Silences Doubters With 40-Yard Dash
With representatives from 24 NFL teams in attendance, McMillan ran just one 40-yard dash, but that was all he needed. The hand-timed results varied slightly depending on the scout, but the consensus was that he clocked a time that put lingering speed concerns to rest. According to Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz, McMillan ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash—a solid mark for a receiver of his size.
The Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler shared similar reports, noting that multiple scouts clocked McMillan in the range of 4.46 to 4.53 seconds. "Really good times for the projected top wideout off the board in April," Fowler tweeted.
Not everyone had the exact same timing, though. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported that three teams recorded McMillan’s times at 4.54, 4.55, and 4.57 seconds, respectively. But even with slight discrepancies, one thing was clear: McMillan showed enough speed to maintain his standing as the draft’s top receiver. "Workout was good otherwise. Big-bodied guy, so times were expected," Breer noted.
Route Running Over Testing Numbers
While speed is always a critical factor in evaluating wide receivers, McMillan didn’t feel the need to participate in any additional athletic testing—no vertical jumps, no broad jumps, no shuttle drills. Instead, he let his route-running do the talking. According to ESPN’s Jordan Reid, McMillan ran a series of routes that reaffirmed his fluidity, precision, and ability to separate against defenders. With those physical tools combined with his elite ball skills, it’s no wonder he remains a top target in this year’s draft class.
Draft Stock Still Soaring
Even before his pro day, McMillan was projected to be a high first-round pick, and his latest performance only solidified that status. In the most recent NFL Mock Draft Consensus, he was pegged to go No. 8 overall to the Carolina Panthers, a team desperate for an offensive playmaker. But after answering concerns about his speed, there’s speculation he could rise even higher.
Could the New England Patriots, sitting at No. 4, make a move for him? They need a game-changing receiver to help rebuild their offense. Or what about the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6? Their passing attack could use a big-bodied weapon to stretch the field.
Regardless of where he lands, McMillan has done what he needed to do—remind everyone why he was considered WR1 from the start. With his combination of size, athleticism, and now-confirmed speed, he’s ready to make an impact at the next level. The countdown to draft night is on, and all eyes will be on where McMillan hears his name called.
Login