The Cincinnati Bengals have spent the last few seasons building one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, but with key playmakers facing uncertain futures, they could be in the market for another game-changing weapon.
Joe Burrow has already proven he can thrive with elite pass-catchers, and as Cincinnati looks to reload for a Super Bowl run, finding a dynamic target could be a top priority in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Fortunately for the Bengals, this year’s draft class features a receiver who perfectly fits their system, a big-bodied playmaker with elite ball skills, crisp route running, and the ability to dominate in contested catch situations.
Enter Tatairoa McMillan, the Arizona standout who has all the tools to be Burrow’s next go-to target.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein pitched the Bengals to draft the star wide receiver with the No. 17 selection in the upcoming draft.
“This pairing might be the most perfect scheme/roster fit in the entire mock,” Zierlein wrote. “McMillan plays similarly to Drake London and Tee Higgins.”
Standing at 6-foot-5, McMillan brings a rare combination of size, athleticism, and fluidity that makes him a nightmare for defenders.
The former five-star recruit turned heads at Arizona, where he quickly became one of the most productive receivers in college football.
Whether it’s high-pointing passes over defenders, creating separation on deep routes, or making tough catches in traffic, McMillan has shown he can do it all.
With Tee Higgins potentially departing in free agency and Tyler Boyd’s future uncertain, the Bengals could be looking for a long-term complement to Ja’Marr Chase.
McMillan’s skill set would make him a natural fit in Zac Taylor’s offense, giving Burrow another elite target capable of stretching the field and winning one-on-one matchups.
McMillan’s catch radius and route polish make him an instant impact player at the next level, and pairing him with Burrow could give the Bengals one of the league’s most dangerous receiving corps.
If Cincinnati wants to keep its offense among the NFL’s elite, targeting McMillan in the first round could be the perfect move to ensure Burrow has all the weapons he needs.