{"id":162296,"date":"2024-02-16T10:15:43","date_gmt":"2024-02-16T15:15:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=162296"},"modified":"2024-02-16T09:19:58","modified_gmt":"2024-02-16T14:19:58","slug":"jalen-mcmillan-nfl-draft-profile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/02\/16\/jalen-mcmillan-nfl-draft-profile\/","title":{"rendered":"Jalen McMillan NFL Draft Profile"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jalen McMillan NFL Draft Profile<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Position<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Wide Receiver<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Height<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: 6\u2032-0\u2033 (Projection)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Weight<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: 190 pounds (Projection)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">School<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washington.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Washington<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-draft\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">More 2024 NFL Draft Profiles<\/span><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">2024 NFL Draft: Jalen McMillan Scouting Report<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">McMillan went to high school in Fresno, California, where he <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/theathletic.com\/2873863\/2021\/10\/07\/you-should-see-him-play-baseball-the-many-talents-of-washington-receiver-jalen-mcmillan\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">played baseball and received offers<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0from Oklahoma and USC to become a dual-sport athlete. His &#8220;go get it&#8221; experience from baseball is reflected in his football film. McMillan\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ndinsider.com\/story\/recruiting\/2019\/04\/16\/otebook-2020-wr-jalen-mcmillan-currently-a-coin-flip-between-notre-dame-washingto\/45838385\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">committed to playing college football<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0at the University of Washington, choosing it over Notre Dame and Alabama.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">In his freshman year of 2020, McMillan played sparingly, recording only one catch for 16 yards. However, in his sophomore season in 2021, his production increased, leading the team in receiving yards with 470, hauling in three touchdowns and 39 catches.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">During the 2022 season, Jalen McMillan started in seven out of 13 games, finishing with 1,098 receiving yards on 79 catches for nine touchdowns. He was named\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/gohuskies.com\/roster.aspx?rp_id=14956\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">2022 All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Going into the 2023 season, Jalen McMillan was named to the<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/gohuskies.com\/roster.aspx?rp_id=14956\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a02023 Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. However, a knee injury wiped out four games and limited him in several others. Despite that, he was still efficient and opted to play through it when he could rather than sit out and declare for the draft. He finished the season with 553 yards on 45 catches for five touchdowns.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Due to his injury-riddled 2023 season, McMillan&#8217;s 2022 season will be used when comparing him to his 2024 draft class peers.<\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Strengths<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jalen McMillan has NFL speed. He separates with speed &amp; routes. When making the catch, defenders are often found yards away. He has the length to eat up grass in a hurry.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">He&#8217;s a very reliable route runner. He has excellent situational ball awareness. McMillan possesses really good body control.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jalen McMillan is a natural hands catcher. He catches out in front of himself. He tracks the ball well at all levels of the defense.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">McMillan has great stop\/start ability. He changes gears quickly. He is a quick and fast athlete.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jalen McMillan is a great manipulator. He had many tricks, including head fakes, hesitation moves, skip steps, and an ability to vary his release timing and pacing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">He consistently has crisp routes and is a crafty route runner with pristine footwork. He has nfl feet and cuts at the top of his stem. McMillan sinks his hips like a pro. He dog walks defensive backs through his routes. He&#8217;ll put defensive backs in the blender.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jalen McMillan has a strong feel for holes in zone coverage. He has a good football IQ. He has an innate sense for splitting the 2nd and 3rd levels. With development, McMillan can play a variety of roles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">2022 Season Vs. 2024 Draft Wide Receivers: Yards After The Catch Per Reception 6.4 (T-13th), Average Depth Of Target 13.1 (14th).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Weaknesses<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jalen McMillan is a willing blocker but gets knocked backward.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">His frame is likely maxed out at 190. He&#8217;s not physical. McMillan has a lean build and average arm length.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">He is an average NFL athlete. His burst could be better, considering his quick feet. He&#8217;s a limited threat against press coverage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jalen McMillan gets moved off routes due to physicality, possibly limiting him to the slot only.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">There are too many drops on the resume. There are some unnecessary movements when making catches. McMillan needs to fight for the ball in a crowded air space.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jalen McMillan is not a dynamic player in space. He isn&#8217;t known for making guys miss.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">2022 Season Vs. 2024 Draft Wide Receivers: Pro Football Focus Receiving Grade 77.5 (21st), Yards Per Route Run 2.3 (T-21st), Target Dominator Percentage 20.5% (21st).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">NFL Comparison<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2020\/07\/11\/davante-adams-is-an-elite-wide-receiver\/\" target=\"_self\">Davante Adams<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Team Fits With Need At Position<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/panthers\/\" target=\"_self\">Carolina Panthers<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/cardinals\/\" target=\"_self\">Arizona Cardinals<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/broncos\/\" target=\"_self\">Denver Broncos<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/patriots\/\" target=\"_self\">New England Patriots<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/buccaneers\/\" target=\"_self\">Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Projection<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Round 2 \/ Round 3<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Statistics gathered from\u00a0<\/span><\/em><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"http:\/\/pff.com\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pro Football Focus<\/span><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">NFL Comparison, Round Projections, and Team Fits are <\/span><\/em><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/thecodyspears.start.page\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">my own.<\/span><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Bottom Line on Jalen McMillan<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jalen McMillan is a committed route runner who takes pride in his craft. He is a very astute player with veteran poise in his understanding of route running. McMillan creates separation with his precise routes and above-average speed. He is a lean receiver, but he possesses exceptional athletic traits. He moves across the field with superb agility and fluidity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">McMillan stands out in his ability to separate from defenders at an elite level. He can control his speed, make sharp cuts, and have nuance in his routes, which puts him in the same league as some of the best receivers in the class. However, McMillan struggles against physical defenders, and his frame has a lower ceiling. Unless he improves his game against physicality, he may be limited to the slot in the NFL.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jalen McMillan provides an excellent foundation for a starting wide receiver in the league. He has few weaknesses in his game, and nearly everything that needs improvement can be coached. McMillan has the chance to be the next <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/02\/02\/puka-nacua-success-was-predictable\/\" target=\"_self\">Puke Nacua success story.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Main Photo: Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Jalen McMillan entered 2023 with a lot of hype and rightfully so. A knee injury relegated him to the shadows of his Washington teammates<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5041,"featured_media":162403,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1647,54],"tags":[10073,32375],"class_list":["post-162296","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl-draft","category-editorials","tag-2024-nfl-draft","tag-jalen-mcmillan"],"modified_by":"Will Koshover, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/162296","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5041"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=162296"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/162296\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/162403"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=162296"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=162296"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=162296"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}