NFL Draft season is the most exciting time in the NFL offseason calendar. But for the Los Angeles Chargers fans, it has already become a bit stale. Everyone recognizes their need for another consistent pass-catching option for Justin Herbert. From the average draft-nik perspective, this means they will dip into Jim Harbaugh’s old well, the Michigan Wolverines, and select tight end, Colston Loveland.
But Pro Football Focus’s Trevor Sikkema takes a fresh new take. He not only has the Chargers move up in the first round via a trade with the Indianapolis Colts to 14 from 22 and targets Arizona’s wide receiver, Tetairoa McMillan.
14. TRADE Los Angeles Chargers Draft WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
Trade terms: Chargers receive 2025 first-round pick (No. 14), 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 116); Colts receive 2025 first-round pick (No. 22), 2025 second-round pick (No. 55), 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 124), 2025 fifth-round pick (No. 159)
“The Chargers could sit back and get a good receiver at No. 22, but if Tetairoa McMillan is within range, I wonder if they’ll make a few calls, especially with 11 draft picks in hand,” Sikkema writes. “As for the Colts, general manager Chris Ballard is a scout at heart, and he will know the real value of this draft is in having more picks between the late first round and late third round.”
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Some draft experts compare him to another wide receiver who has been linked to the Chargers in free agency, Tee Higgins. At 6 foot 5, 220 pounds, already sets him apart from most receivers and will be a great complement to the diminutive slot receiver and rookie standout, Ladd McConkey.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler describes McMillan thusly; “The Hawaii native was one of the most productive players in college football over the last two seasons, leading the FBS in combined receiving yards (2,721), first downs (112) and catches of 20-plus yards (42) over that span. Showing off his volleyball and basketball background, McMillan shines at the catch point. He uses Gumby-like body adjustments to frame the football with his hands, regardless of the placement or action required.”