What an unexpected projection for the Denver Broncos! Their offseason plans have been anything but unpredictable, until now. For the longest time, their dilemma is — Do they take a running back? Or a tight end? Names like Tyler Warren, Colston Loveland, Ashton Jeanty, and Omarion Hampton have dominated their mock drafts. Then came Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft.
It’s a seismic shift that saw the Broncos rolling away from the expected trends. Kiper’s projection mocked Arizona’s star WR Tetairoa McMillan, to Denver at No. 20. Not an RB, not another TE but a big-bodied weapon who could be the solution for Bo Nix in the NFL.
Tetairoa McMillan is an All-American wideout with a frame and skill set that demands attention. In a new episode on DNVR Sports on March 20, Ryan Koenigsberg didn’t mince words when he described his first impression on the 6’4, 220-pounder at last year’s Big 12 Media Days. “When I saw Tetairoa McMillan, my naw hit the floor,” he stated. “That dude looks like a defensive end and he’s like a bouncy wide receiver.” McMillan’s build and speed immediately drew comparisons to Courtland Sutton.
“To me the Courtland comp is actually underselling him just a little bit,” Ryan Koenigsberg added. But he believes he could be the more explosive WR. “He’s bigger I think, he’s a little bit faster at least in game action… and pre injury Courtland I would say is comparable in terms of like the jump b— abilities. So I really like Tetairoa.” While 6’4, 216-pound Courtland Sutton remains a productive WR1, he’s nearing 30. Denver needs a long-term No. 1 option and 21-year-old McMillan has all the tools to be that guy.
In his junior season at Arizona, he put up 1,319 yards and eight TDs, earning First-team All-American honors. Yet despite his elite production and physical gifts, his stock isn’t set in stone. Zac Stevens summed up the draft day drama perfectly on how a top five pick a year ago can fall to the Broncos at No. 20. The answer is timing and perception. Travis Hunter and Matthew Golden are expected to be the first two receivers off the board. That alone could push him down in the selection. But there’s another interesting reason and that’s perception.
How Tetairoa McMillan is a great fit for Denver
“Just yesterday, Steve Smith said on his podcast about McMillan,” Stevens said. “He’s obviously a WR, knows the position well, you take it with a grain of salt but if Steve Smith is seeing that, I would imagine some other teams in the NFL might be seeing that as well.” That skepticism could be what allows Sean Payton and the front office to steal an elite talent late in the first round. It’s a bold move. But it makes sense after the Broncos’ decision to bring in TE Evan Engram from free agency.
Denver signed Evan Engram on a two-year, $23 million deal which provides instant stability at TE. For a Broncos squad that went 10-7 in 2024, finished third in the AFC West, and fell in the Wild Card round, this draft pick could be the missing link. With the veteran TE solidifying a key role in Sean Payton‘s scheme and McMillan pairing with Sutton, it would give Bo Nix one of the most dynamic supporting casts among QBs.
The Broncos need a true No. 1 receiver for the future. So if Tetairoa McMillan slides to No. 20, Denver won’t hesitate to make him Bo Nix’s new best friend!
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