Washintgon's Jedd Fisch compares Tetairoa McMillan to the Buccaneers' All-Pro Mike Evans

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In a recent interview with the Unafraid Show with George Wrightster, University of Washington head coach Jedd Fisch, who coached Tetairoa McMillan at Arizona, doesn’t hold back. He calls McMillan a "generational talent" with drawing a direct line to Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Mike Evans. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, McMillan’s stock is soaring, and Fisch’s high praise highlights why the Arizona wide receiver is cut from the same cloth as Evans, a future Hall of Famer.

The Huskies head coach recalls when he was offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars travelled to Texas A&M to scout Johnny Manziel and Mike Evans. He describes how impressive Evans on a catch ball on a comeback. He says it took until year three for "JMac" to grow into his Mike Evans qualities, but says now they are undeniable. Fisch believes whatever team drafts the wide receiver from Waimānalo, Hawaii, "they will have a ten, twelve year, if they want to, run with one of the best wide receivers we will see."

Physically, McMillan mirrors Evans. At 6’5” and 219 pounds, he boasts a towering frame that is similar to Evans’ 6’5”, 231-pound build. Like Evans, who’s posted 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, McMillan dominates at the catch point. His 2024 stats, 84 receptions, 1,319 yards, and eight touchdowns is largely due to his ability to snag contested balls, much like Evans’ signature jump-ball heroics. Fisch emphasizes McMillan’s coordination, evident in his acrobatic grabs, such as his 304-yard, four-touchdown total domination against New Mexico in 2024, where he made impossible catches look routine.

Beyond size, McMillan’s movement is Evans-like. Fisch praises his fluidity, a trait that shines when McMillan weaves through defenses post-catch, reminiscent of Evans’ underrated yards-after-catch ability. McMillan’s 4.48 40-yard dash, reported by Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, lines up closely with Evans’ 4.53, which is enough speed to stretch defenses without being a pure burner. Both players leverage their size and stride to create separation, making them matchup nightmares.

Arizona WR and projected top pick Tetairoa McMillan had his Pro Day today, where scouts in attendance clocked him at a 4.48 40-yard dash.

The 6’4”, 219-pound First-Team All-American had 24 NFL teams in attendance to watch him, per source. pic.twitter.com/UJwcJXkwwK

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 17, 2025

Fisch notes that route running styles are strikingly similar. McMillan’s crisp routes and subtle hip flexibility, parallel Evans’ crafty footwork and body control, which have fooled NFL corners for over a decade. McMillan’s versatility in alignments, X, Z, or slot also mirror Evans’ ability to win from any spot in Tampa Bay’s offense.

In the red zone, McMillan’s 26 career touchdowns are in line with Evans’ dominance, using length and box-out skills to haul in touchdowns.

McMillan is not without flaws. His 8.7% drop rate exceeds Evans’ 1.8% in college, and he will need to add bulk to handle physical NFL corners. Yet, at 21, he already has a high floor and his talents far exceed any imperfections.

The Dallas Cowboys are the odds favorite to draft the former Wildcat and his pairing with All-Pro CeeDee Lamb is the perfect fit. The Cowboys do need the draft to fall just right and hope that two possibly three QBs are taken in the top ten. Other teams that could have McMillan on top of their draft board for day one might be the Carolina Panthers, while they need offensive line and defensive help, TMac could be hard to pass on. The Jacksonville Jaguars need a RB, DT, OT and TE along with a wide receiver. A lot could hinge on who is on the board at their pick or if they are enticed into trading back. The last hurdle for Dallas to land their WR2 would be the New Orleans Saints, but with recent QB controversy there in the Big Easy, look for them to consider either Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart, who has climbed in the consensus board of recently.Fisch’s endorsement of McMillan isn’t just hype, it's a roadmap. McMillan’s size, catch-point athleticism, and versatility position him as the next Evans 2.0. And, appears to be ready to dominate the NFL with the same relentless consistency.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Jedd Fisch calls Terairoa McMillan generational talent

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