The Los Angeles Chargers have spent much of the offseason rebuilding their offensive weapons. Although they’ve added experienced players like Mike Williams and Tyler Conklin in free agency, they still haven’t made a long-term commitment to their receiving group.
With quarterback Justin Herbert now entering the peak of his career, the need for an elite outside threat is more urgent than ever. That’s why Daniel Popper’s latest mock draft for The Athletic is especially intriguing for Chargers fans.
In his projection, Popper has the Chargers selecting Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the 22nd overall pick—a scenario that would feel like a dream for the fanbase.
McMillan is widely expected to be taken within the top 15 picks, with some projections placing him in the top 10 or even top five. It would be a major surprise if he fell to No. 22, but if he does, the Chargers could be looking at a perfect opportunity come draft day.
Chargers land Tetairoa McMillan in latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft
A former four-star prospect, McMillan spent just three seasons at Arizona but departed as the school’s all-time leader in receiving yards. He wrapped up his collegiate career with a record-setting 3,423 yards, 26 touchdowns (tied for third in school history), and 213 receptions (tied for fourth).
McMillan made an immediate impact as a freshman in 2022, leading all FBS first-year players with 702 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. He followed that up with back-to-back seasons of over 1,300 receiving yards, earning first-team All-American honors in 2024.
Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 219 pounds, McMillan fits the mold of a prototypical “alpha” receiver. He pairs his imposing frame with elite ball skills, excelling in contested-catch situations and consistently making difficult grabs look routine. His wide catch radius and dependable hands make him a quarterback-friendly target, particularly on third downs and in tight coverage.
While his deep speed and separation ability aren’t elite, McMillan projects as a high-floor, immediate contributor who can shine as a possession receiver and red-zone weapon—comparable to players like Tee Higgins or Drake London.
He’d be a perfect counterpart to Ladd McConkey in the Chargers’ receiving corps. McConkey brings quickness and sharp route-running out of the slot, while McMillan provides the size, strength, and catch radius to dominate on the perimeter.
Together, they’d give Justin Herbert a dynamic, complementary duo to rebuild the passing game. McMillan is the type of receiver the Chargers hoped Quentin Johnston would become—only with much stronger hands, arguably among the best in this draft class.
If McMillan is still available at pick No. 22, the Chargers shouldn’t think twice. While other receivers like Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State) or Matthew Golden (Texas) could be options, none offer McMillan’s unique combination of size, ball skills, and scheme fit.
He’s the kind of outside threat who balances perfectly with McConkey and brings a physical edge to the passing attack. For a team aiming to surround Herbert with a reliable, versatile receiving group, McMillan would be an ideal addition.
It may be a long shot, but if McMillan is there at 22, the Chargers have to take him.
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