Lions Could Pursue Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan for Receiver in NFL Draft

Struggling with receiver depth from their 2024 season, the Detroit Lions could net the best receiver in the NFL Draft if they can get Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan. 

McMillan has been a "north star" for receivers in this NFL Draft class, according to Mike Payton of A to Z Sports. Every franchise that needs a receiver is going to be interested in the 6-foot-5, 212-pounder — and for good reason. McMillan is known for his speed and ability to make contested catches using his giant hands.

Since the end of the 2024 regular season, McMillan has been anticipated to be among the top 10 for picks. He's even fallen into a few mock draft experts' predictions. Mel Kiper, who released his pre-NFL Combine mock draft on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, has McMillan headed to the Chargers in the second round of the draft.

The real question is whether McMillan can make his way into the 20s for picks. If that scenario would occur, the Lions would need to be ready to roar and pounce on him before his competitors.
Although receivers are not necessarily at the top of the Lions' need list now, a strategic acquisition like this could give the Lions a shot at bolstering the team's offense more than it already has. 
Analyzing the receiver situation, Payton concluded, "This move allows them to have a contested catch guy who can bully corners in the end zone but can also get yards after the catch and stretch the field. With a defensive line class as deep as this one, the Lions could still score in that area in the second round."