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Tetairoa McMillan: A Dallas Cowboys Game Changer in 2025

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Tetairoa McMillan is a top prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, and many experts predict the big receiver will go to the Dallas Cowboys.

Landing a prospect with the abilities of McMillan would transform this offense into one of the top units in the league.

A legitimate number two wide receiver would open the offensive playbook for CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott. McMillan would force the defense to respect the other side of the field, resulting in fewer defensive shifts to stop Lamb.

Drafting Tetairoa McMillan would be a dream for many Cowboys fans, but what type of game does this prospect possess, and how will it help the offense?

Tetairoa McMillan: A Dallas Cowboys Game Changer

Tetairoa McMillan at The University of Arizona

Tetairoa McMillan had three productive years at the University of Arizona, showcasing his athletic and big-play capabilities.

McMillan started his collegiate career in 2022. As a freshman, he caught 38 of his 81 targets for 702 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 18 yards per reception.

As a sophomore in 202340-yard, he played a bigger part in the offensive game plan. He caught 90 of his 130 targets, catching 69% of his targets and making 21% in this area from his freshman season.

He would end the season with 1,396 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns, and an average of 15.5 yards per reception—a drastic increase from his freshman season.

Tetairoa McMillan’s numbers dropped slightly in his junior year as defenses started game planning for the big-time threat.

In 2024, McMillan had 1,316 yards, eight touchdowns, and an average of 15.7 yards per reception. He caught 84 of his 130 targets for a catch percentage of 64.6%.

https://twitter.com/NFL_DF/status/1901690877858431251

Tetairoa McMillan: A Dallas Cowboys Game Changer 1

Tetairoa McMillan’s Stats Will Translate to the Cowboys

Anyone who has watched the Dallas Cowboys knows CeeDee Lamb does a lot of his damage from the slot, but he will be moved around the formation depending on the matchup.

According to PFF.com’s premium stats, CeeDee Lamb has taken 60.1% of his snaps from the slot, 38.8% outside, 0.2% inline, and 0.1% rushing over his career.

In comparison, Tetairoa McMillan spent 76.6% outside, 22.9% in the slot, and 0.4% inline.

These players are almost the complete opposite when it comes to where they line up at receiver. This is good because it allows both players to play their game without stepping on each other’s toes.

McMillan’s size will also play nicely in the red zone, where the Cowboys have struggled. Two receivers over 6’2″and 200 lbs give the offense two big bodies in the end zone.

Speaking of the red zone, McMillan caught 18 of 30 of his contested catches for 60% in 2024. This is the type of play the Cowboys’ offense is missing.

His quarterbacks have also had an average of 110.3 quarterback rating when he is targeted.

Tetairoa McMillan can play and will give Dak Prescott a big-time target to find downfield and on the outside.

As Dane Bugler mentioned above, yards after the catch are a big part of McMillan’s game. He plays like a much smaller receiver with the ball in his hands, weaving in and out of traffic to play like a much smaller receiver with the ball in his hands.

Tetairoa McMillan: A Dallas Cowboys Game Changer 2

NFL Combine and Pro Day Results

Tetairoa McMillan did not participate in any of the 2025 NFL Combine on-field work, but opted to save himself for the University of Arizona’s Pro Day.

At Arizona’s Pro Day, McMillan ran a 4.48 forty-yard dash, which would have put him around 24th at the combine for wide receivers. However, at 6’5” and 212 lbs, this number was faster than expected by most experts.

McMillan talked to reporters at the Combine and said:

“People look at me as a big receiver, which I am. I’m physically dominant, but at the end of the day, I’m able to run every route in the route tree,” McMillan told reporters Friday. “I’m able to play inside or outside. I feel like a lot of people, a lot of teams are sleeping on that right now.”

Tetairoa McMillan is a receiver to watch for in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, and the Dallas Cowboys should be running to turn the card in if he falls to them.

The last time a receiver of this caliber fell to them in the draft, it worked out perfectly. To have it happen again would be a dream come true.

Paired with CeeDee Lamb, McMillan would be a terror for opposing defensive coordinators and give the Cowboys’ offense two big receivers to elevate this offense.

Cody Warren

Junior Writer

Cody Warren is an American sports writer for InsideTheStar.com, a prominent website focusing on the Dallas Cowboys. In addition to his writing duties, Cody is also a devoted husband, father, and Law Enforcement Officer with close to two decades of experience in various assignments. Beginning his writing journey at InsideTheStar.com as a Junior Writer, Cody has pursued his passion for sports journalism and is now able to cover his beloved team, America's Team, the Dallas Cowboys.

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