The Jacksonville Jaguars signed Dyami Brown in free agency but still need to add reinforcements to Trevor Lawrence's arsenal of weapons, especially in light of Tim Jones' departure. If they want to, they could use the No. 5 pick on Tetairoa McMillan, the best receiver prospect in this year's NFL Draft. However, Steve Smith Sr.'s recent comments may give the Jags pause.
Smith recently shared his evaluation of this year's receiver class and he isn't a fan of McMillan, pointing out that he doesn't take advantage of his physical traits and doesn't make enough plays. Here's some of what he had to say.
"None of us are finished products until they lay us in the dirt," Smith said on his podcast. "However, this is a valuation game, though, right now, and the T-Mac evaluation, for me, my humble opinion is, Yeah, he's a No. 1 ranked wide receiver, but he's not the No. 1 wide receiver."
Smith continued, "I think he leaves a lot of plays on the field. I don't think he has the ability to dominate like his size is. I think he's a jump ball guy, but I don't see his route tree being very elaborate. I keep hearing when I ask around in this preliminary process, Everybody keeps saying, Drake London. I don't see that type of player, but I understand the comp."
If you were wondering why Smith's evaluation carries any weight, there are a couple of reasons. First, he played wide receiver at the highest level possible, even if he has yet to get inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But leaving aside his NFL resume, he was higher on Brian Thomas Jr. than more analysts last year, so his opinion most definitely warrants attention.
This begs the question, is McMillan not worthy of being a top-5 pick? Like most draft evaluations, opinions will always be split. That said, the former Arizona Wildcat will most definitely need to learn how to use his size to win matchups against cornerbacks at the NFL level. Moreover, he could bulk up a bit.
On the other hand, McMillan put to rest any doubts about his speed when he ran the 40-yard dash in the 4.46-456 range at his Pro Day. Everybody knows he isn't a burner, but his time matches his on-field speed. Then again, would this be enough to convince the Jags to take him at No. 5?
Here's Smith discussing the 2025 receiver class. His remarks about McMillan start at the 2:30 mark.
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Why the Jaguars may not draft Tetairoa McMillan
Of course, the Jacksonville Jaguars — or any NFL team for that matter — won't take a player off their board just because a former player or an analyst isn't sold on him. In fact, some of Steve Smith's peers will disagree with his thoughts on Tetairoa McMillan.
With that being said, the Jags could most definitely use McMillan. He would round a group of receivers that includes Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, Dyami Brown, and Gabe Davis. Due to their surplus at the position, they wouldn't have to rush him before he's ready. Furthermore, his versatility to line up anywhere across the line of scrimmage would give head coach Liam Coen a dynamic chess piece to work with.
On the other hand, precisely because wide receiver isn't a top need, the Jaguars may want to address another position, whether it's the defensive line or the secondary, with the No. 5 pick.
The front office could easily take Mason Graham or even Jalen Walker at No. 5 and then take a receiver in Rounds 2 or 3.
Simply put, Tetairoa McMillan could help the Jacksonville Jaguars, even if he needs time to make the adjustment in the pros. But if that's the route they take, it won't be because Steve Smith Sr. isn't high on him but rather because they want to fortify other positions.