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B/R Big Board Rank: No. 37 overall
Top Landing Spot: Cincinnati Bengals
Derrik Klassen and the B/R Scouting Department are admittedly higher on Jalen McMillan than most. He checks in at No. 93 on the consensus big board at NFL Mock Draft Database.
But the more you dig into McMillan, the more there is to like.
Klassen noted in his scouting report that the 6’1″, 197-pound Husky has a “well-rounded athletic profile, route-running chops and reliable hands (that) will allow him to be productive from day one, both from the slot and outside.”
McMillan has flown under the radar because of a knee injury that hampered his 2023 season. Washington was in the national spotlight with Rome Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk headlining a high-flying offense that most have forgotten that McMillan had 79 catches for 1,098 yards and nine touchdowns.
His versatility would make him an ideal fit in Cincinnati on Day 2. Tee Higgins is currently under the franchise tag but has requested a trade and Tyler Boyd remains unsigned. McMillan could play Boyd’s role if Higgins sticks around for another year or fit in as the No. 2 receiver if Higgins is dealt.
Worst Landing Spot: San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have a looming contract situation with Brandon Aiyuk and could use some depth at receiver. They are also loaded with draft pick so it wouldn’t be surprising to see them target a receiver earlier than some might expect.
But McMillan is not a good fit for what they do.
As Klassen notes in his scouting report, McMillan is not a great ball-carrier after the catch.
“Although he’s fast and relatively explosive, McMillan is not a natural ball-carrier. He doesn’t have that sixth sense in space to shed tacklers and fight for extra yardage,” Klassen wrote.
That doesn’t fit with the Niners passing game, which is timing-based and looks to maximize yards after the catch. San Francisco led the league in yards after the catch and will look to add receivers that can be running backs with the ball in their hands.
McMillan doesn’t fit that mold and would struggle in similar offenses.
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