Tape study shows draft's second day could be spot for Lions to add a big, physical receiver to pair with star tandem
Continuing our film-based introduction to the 2025 draft class ahead of the scouting combine at the end of this month, we turn our focus to 15 wide receivers top analysts project will be selected in the first three rounds.
As a reminder, the prospects will be sorted into three categories — top of the board, first-round talent and Day 2 options — and listed alphabetically within the tiers.
Top of the board suggests the player is projected to be selected in the top half of the first round. The Lions are scheduled to pick No. 28. The remaining first-round options aren't necessarily expected to be available at that spot, but they could fall within a range where the Lions could reasonably trade up to snag a specific target.
I’ll include some summarizing thoughts about this group of prospects and how they relate to Detroit's roster needs at the end of this post, after the individual scouting reports.
Top of the board
Travis Hunter, Colorado
Listed height/weight: 6-foot-1, 185 pounds
2024 stats: 13 games, 96 receptions, 1,258 yards, 15 touchdowns
A two-way star for the Buffaloes, it remains to be seen if Hunter will continue to play offense and defense at the next level or if his role will be restricted to one side of the ball.
Focusing strictly on his receiving here, Hunter is primarily an X, but he's productive with his limited work in the slot. The acceleration is impressive, as is his ability to slam on the brakes and stop on a dime. He's shifty at the line of scrimmage when working against press-man coverage. He can create quick separation on inside releases when running post patterns and deep crossers. Because of his ability to decelerate, his intermediate curl route is lethal, both against man and when sitting down in soft spots of zone looks.
Hunter's flexibility and capacity to accelerate makes him a problem after the catch. He regularly appears to have an immediate plan after taking a reception, allowing him to make the first man miss.
On deep balls, Hunter tracks it in the air well, adjusts to the depth of the target, and can climb the ladder to high-point the ball when needed. He demonstrates excellent catch ability, snagging the ball away from his body and rarely letting it escape his grasp.
If there's a weakness, it's that he doesn't demonstrate great play strength. When a defensive back gets their hands on him, they can reroute his release, plus he rarely breaks a tackle. He also doesn't do much on tape as a blocker. When an effort is put in, he doesn't sustain well.
Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
Listed height/weight: 6-foot-5, 210 pounds
2024 stats: 12 games, 84 receptions, 1,319 yards, eight touchdowns
With a huge frame and matching catch radius, McMillan uses his body well to keep defenders away from the ball. He complements his size with strong hands, making him effective in contested situations. The couple of throws I saw escape his grasp were errant, with one too far in front and another behind him.
There’s alignment flexibility, with somewhere around a quarter of McMillan’s snaps coming in the slot.