As the New York Jets enter into their first offseason with general manager Darren Mougey calling the shots, they’ll have several concurrent goals to be wary of.
Identifying and acquiring players that fit head coach Aaron Glenn’s vision and culture will be paramount, but New York has serious needs to consider and is still without a franchise quarterback, making 2026 just as important as 2025.
Subsequently, Mougey is incentivized to trade down (perhaps more than most other teams) in the pursuit of a 2026 quarterback. In this class, the talent outside of the top five picks makes that possibility even more enticing.
The Jets started their new regime with a trade back in USA Today’s recent mock draft, swapping picks with the Indianapolis Colts and dropping to No. 14 and taking Arizona receiver Tetairoa McMillan.
“The Jets must surround Justin Fields with better weapons,” Tyler Dragon wrote. “McMillan has a big catch radius and runs with long strides. The 6-foot-5 wide pass catcher is a possession receiver with good ball skills.”
The Colts picked Penn State tight end Tyler Warren at No. 7.
Losing receiver Davante Adams to free agency always meant New York’s receiving corps would get worse in the short term. But adding McMillan – arguably the best receiver in the class – is one of the best (reasonable) ways to improve. Getting extra draft capital in the same transaction is a nifty bonus.
McMillan has the physicality to play as the X receiver opposite receiver Garrett Wilson but can comfortably move inside as a power slot, too, and is quite comparable to Atlanta Falcons receiver Drake London, who was picked minutes before Wilson in 2022.
McMillan wins above the rim and in contested catch situations, but his late separation skills help make him more than just a big-bodied threat. His blend of strength, body control, and reliability make him a quarterback-friendly target, even if he isn’t an overly dynamic athlete or the prettiest route runner.
Given the Jets’ lack of talent at receiver beyond Wilson, taking a receiver makes sense, even if Fields won’t be operating a pass-heavy attack. It also makes the supporting cast more inviting for that prospective rookie passer, whomever that may be.
Ultimately, McMillan is a viable selection at No. 7. Moving down, adding capital, and still getting a player of his talent is a win in itself.
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