Tetairoa McMillan's foolish pre-draft admission could work in Cowboys' favor

Many Dallas Cowboys fans are dreaming of drafting Tetairoa McMillan to pair with CeeDee Lamb in their wide receiver room next season and beyond. The Arizona prospect's foolish recent admission could work in the team's favor when push comes to shove.

McMillan is arguably the most talented wide receiver in another deep group of wideouts emerging from the college ranks. Projections are mixed regarding where he'll be taken, with analysts expecting anything from the top 10 to dropping into the mid-20s depending on which mock draft you read.

The Cowboys will be watching developments ahead of them closely if McMillan becomes a legitimate target. They could use some offensive line help or defensive reinforcements, but the need for another productive playmaker could take priority at No. 12 overall if the ex-Wildcat is there for the taking.

Tetairoa McMillan's commitment questions as Cowboys' draft decision looms large

While nothing has been ruled out one way or another, McMillan didn't exactly help his chances during a recent interview. The flamboyant pass-catcher revealed that he doesn't spend any time watching game film by himself, opting to rely on the studies during wide receiver meetings to get him through a typical game week.

"I don't like watching film either. I don't ever need to watch it by myself because we go over it as a receiver group."

Tetairoa McMillan via Yahoo Sports

File this under things people should keep to themselves when their credentials are being scrutinized more than ever.

McMillan might have gotten away with this approach at the college level, but that won't be the case in the pros. Not everyone has to be someone like Luke Kuechly, but adopting the commitment needed and showing the willingness to go above the call of duty is only going to help his cause.

The NFL is the pinnacle. Everyone is an expert at their craft. Everyone studies, prepares professionally, and maintains peak physical conditioning. Having pure talent is not enough.

Whether McMillan's ill-advised statement will end up hurting his draft stock is anyone's guess. Discussions will arise regarding the topic, but he's got enough outstanding college production and athletic upside to ensure he'll be among the first names taken. And this revelation is unlikely to matter much to Jerry Jones, who loves big names and statement-makers above all else.

There's a chance McMillan falls to the Cowboys. Reports suggest he's not seen as a top-10 pick by most around the league, although the Carolina Panthers at No. 8 have brought him in for a '30' visit. Much will depend on the other prospects available, but Dallas would seriously consider the possibility.

Placing McMillan opposite Lamb gives the Cowboys a potentially prolific wide-receiver tandem. That's only going to assist Dak Prescott as the veteran quarterback embarks on a crossroads campaign with significant ramifications attached. If these comments tip the scales in Dallas' favor, the better their chances will be.

Having the X-factors needed to keep pace with the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East is crucial. McMillan represents exactly that, regardless of whether he watches enough tape or not.