November 30, 2024
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Raiders May Look to Add WR Tetairoa McMillan if Quarterback Options Fall Through

Raiders biggest need positions heading into 2024 NFL Draft

The Las Vegas Raiders head into the offseason with quarterback as their top priority, but recent lessons show how challenging it can be to secure one in the draft without a top-five pick. Currently projected to hold the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to Tankathon, the Raiders face competition from teams like the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, who could also target quarterbacks.

With potentially only two quarterbacks worth selecting that high, the Raiders might need to explore other options for improving their offense. Following the trade of Davante Adams, the team’s wide receiver depth has taken a hit, leaving Jakobi Meyers as their primary threat. Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report suggests that if quarterback options are off the table, the Raiders should consider drafting Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.

“The ideal scenario for the Raiders is that they’ll either earn the No. 1 pick or be in a position to draft whatever quarterback they like,” Ballentine wrote. “The future starter is likely not on the roster, and there aren’t many paths for the Raiders to find one worth building around outside of the draft. If they don’t land their quarterback, McMillan would be an excellent alternative, offering a 6’5”, 212-pound frame with strong run-after-the-catch skills.”

Is Tetairoa McMillan the Top WR in the Draft?

McMillan is a standout prospect, though he’s expected to be the second wide receiver drafted behind Colorado’s Travis Hunter. While Hunter’s dual-role versatility makes him a unique prospect, McMillan might ultimately be the more productive receiver in the NFL.

With solid speed for his size and elite contested-catch ability, McMillan offers a wide catch radius and smooth route-running. ESPN’s Steve Muench describes him as a “sudden route runner who separates well, especially for his size, and has an outstanding feel for attacking zone defenses.” His ability to accelerate after the catch and win at the line of scrimmage makes him an appealing option for any team needing a true No. 1 receiver.

Offensive Line Also a Priority

While adding a star wide receiver like McMillan could bolster the offense, the Raiders might benefit more from investing in their offensive line. Even with Davante Adams on the roster the past three seasons, the Raiders struggled to maximize their offense, largely due to subpar line play.

Left tackle Kolton Miller appears to be regressing, and the rest of the offensive line lacks consistency. If the Raiders miss out on a top quarterback, they may be better served using their first-round pick to shore up the line, possibly targeting a right tackle to provide the team with much-needed stability in the trenches.

As the offseason approaches, the Raiders will need to carefully weigh their options, whether that’s securing a franchise quarterback, adding an elite receiver like McMillan, or strengthening their offensive line.

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