Buckle up, folks! The 2025 NFL Draft is almost here. And as usual, it’s getting hot. The news that’s doing rounds is the New England Patriots and their desperation to add a big pass catcher early in this year’s draft. Right now, Mike Vrabel and co. have their eyes on Arizona. They must be going through the archives of the Wildcats’ old tapes and have found a gem. That’s their 3423-yard wide receiver star. The same player who has been the consensus WR2 in the 2025 NFL Draft behind only Colorado’s dual-threat, Travis Hunter. While Vrabel is pursuing Arizona, he has already come up with a steal $69 million Stefon Diggs deal.
The player who enjoys a tug-of-war kind of situation is none other than Tetairoa McMillan. Arguably the top receiver in this year’s draft. Well, to be in this position, McMillan had to put his blood, sweat, and tears over his three-year stint at Arizona. No doubt in the fact that the wide receiver has been ultra productive with the Wildcats. In his first year, he had racked up 702 yards and 8 touchdowns. Ever since then, there has been no turning back for McMillan. During the other two seasons, he delivered 1402 yards and 1319 yards, respectively. However, this might have come off as a surprise to him now that the NFL suitors are swarming around him.
Patriots are planning to host Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan on a Top 30 visit, according to @AaronWilson_NFL
ICYMI @tkyles39 dove into McMillian’s tape, discussing his potential fit with the New England Patriots: https://t.co/ouBbnCNHie pic.twitter.com/1FUOgZEmDO
— Patriots on CLNS Media (@PatriotsCLNS) April 12, 2025
On April 12, Patriots on CLNS Media tweeted, “Patriots are planning to host Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan on a Top 30 visit, according to @AaronWilson_NFL.” To know the player more, Patriots beat reporter Taylor Kyles dug through some of McMillain’s tape. And he did come up with findings that would leave Vrabel more desperate about making the McMillan deal happen. As the analyst highlighted, “One of the things that makes McMillan so dangerous after the catch on top of being physically imposing. And being able to somehow juke defenders at his size is the ability to also find and exploit space that was on full display on this long third and 10 touchdown against New Mexico with Arizona down seven points just before halftime.” With questions about his speed and ability to separate months prior, McMillan decided not to test at this year’s combine. But so what?
He did, however, test at his pro day running anywhere from low-to-mid 4.5’s, depending on who you ask. And no doubt, given his size, it has been plenty for a receiver going in round one. So, you can fathom the McMillan craze. The Dallas Cowboys sees him as ‘Dez Bryant 2.0.’ Dez Bryant came in with a plus-size at 6-2, and 220 pounds. McMillan measured at 6-4, 220. When it comes to their play styles, there are stark similarities, too. They both don’t rely on game-breaking speed, but show great instincts to highpoint the football over defensive backs. That’s how they make difficult catches look effortless. On the other hand, the New Orleans Saints are also in the race to hunt him down. But out of all these suitors, Vrabel is already riding high with motivation.
Mike Vrabel’s bold bet for Stephon Diggs
Do you remember who was the hero of one of the biggest off-season stories in the NFL last year? Diggs being traded to the Houston Texans. This year, he hit free agency. But lucky Diggs! He has found a new home. The wide receiver agreed to a three-year deal with Vrabel’s New England that’s worth approximately up to $69 million, with $26 million guaranteed. Given his torn ACL in his right knee during Week 8 last season, the hype was tamed down.
On top of this, with his age (Diggs will turn 32 in November) and his struggling feat with Houston and Buffalo in the past season, heavy doubts prevailed. But Vrabel chose to just go for it. After all, the head coach has done his research and has enough proof in hand on how Diggs can be the messiah of the Patriots’ offense. Even with his torn ACL, the wide receiver had 47 receptions that ranked 7th in the NFL.
In 2024, Diggs lined up in the slot 43% of the time, which was a notable increase compared to 27% during his time with the Bills. On the other hand, Mike Varbels’ New England ranked 29th in slot receiving yards per game (62.6). The Patriots were 28th in completion percentage when targeting the slot (64.7%). So, putting Stefon Diggs in the slot, the numbers are bound to spike. Talking about confidence? “I can move the chains,” said the veteran about whether it’s short, intermediate, or deep- he can do it all. Is Diggs the bait Vrabel needs to reel in Tetairoa McMillan?
The post 3423-YD WR to Visit Patriots After Mike Vrabel’s $69M Stefon Diggs Decision appeared first on EssentiallySports.
