The Las Vegas Raiders’ aerial attack left much to be desired last season, despite boasting two 1,000-yard receivers on the roster. A lack of consistency and production at the quarterback position severely hampered the offense, leaving the team ranked 28th in dropback EPA (Expected Points Added). Simply put, the Raiders struggled to establish any rhythm or explosiveness through the air.
With the 2025 NFL Draft rapidly approaching, all eyes are on how the Silver and Black will utilize their valuable sixth overall pick. While many mock drafts project Las Vegas to address its most glaring offensive hole by selecting star running back Ashton Jeanty, CBS Sports recently broke from the consensus with an intriguing alternative: bolstering the receiving corps by selecting standout wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.
The logic behind this move is sound. Although there’s been plenty of chatter surrounding Jeanty, the argument is strong that taking a running back this high—especially in today’s pass-heavy league—isn’t the most prudent choice. The Raiders already lack dynamic depth among their pass catchers, so adding a premier receiver like McMillan could prove to be a much more impactful decision long-term.
McMillan, known as “T-Mac,” brings an elite production profile to the table. He’s coming off consecutive 1,300-yard seasons to close out his college career, and in 2024, he finished second in the nation in receiving yards despite dealing with subpar quarterback play at Arizona. His blend of size, body control, and YAC (yards after catch) ability allows him to win in a variety of ways, making him a true WR1 candidate at the next level. His catch radius and downfield presence could open up the field for other playmakers—especially tight end Brock Bowers, forming a potential game-changing duo for whoever ends up under center.
Although Raiders assistant GM John Spytek has publicly praised the team’s current group of receivers, it’s clear that the front office is still evaluating how to upgrade the unit. Whether that happens in the first round or in the later stages of the draft remains to be seen, but adding a weapon like McMillan could instantly elevate the offense and give the Raiders a legitimate outside threat to pair with their existing talent.
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