College football coaches identify 'sleeper' wide receiver that could fit with the Titans in 2024 NFL Draft
NASHVILLE — ESPN's Adam Rittenberg released an article on Thursday morning after polling college football coaches about various 2024 NFL Draft prospects. These coaches were tasked with identifying "sleepers" in this year's draft class. They commented on players who will not be drafted in the first round, but could turn out to be excellent NFL […]
NASHVILLE — ESPN's Adam Rittenberg released an article on Thursday morning after polling college football coaches about various 2024 NFL Draft prospects.
These coaches were tasked with identifying "sleepers" in this year's draft class. They commented on players who will not be drafted in the first round, but could turn out to be excellent NFL players.
Of the 22 players mentioned, four of them were wide receivers, and one of them stands out to me as being a great fit for the Tennessee Titans.
Washington WR Jalen McMillan
Due to a knee injury and big seasons from Rome Odunze and Ja'lynn Polk, Washington Huskies wide receiver Jalen McMillan took a backseat in 2023. As a result, he's now being undervalued ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Back in 2022, McMillan led the Huskies in catches (79) and touchdowns (9) while racking up 1,098 receiving yards in 13 games. While McMillan's production dropped in 2023, much of that is due to him dealing with an injury while playing in an offense that also had Odunze and Polk as perimeter options.
Through the first three weeks of the 2023 season, McMillan had 20 catches, 311 receiving yards, and four total touchdowns. He was on pace to have an even bigger year than 2022. But a knee injury suffered in a win over Michigan State would keep McMillan out of Washington's next eight games. He made an effort to return a few times over that stretch, but was quickly pulled from those games without recording any stats.
That game against Michigan State was played on September 16th. McMillan would not crack the box score again until November 25th against Washington State. One week later, McMillan had nine catches and 131 yards in the Pac-12 Championship Game against the No. 5 ranked Oregon Ducks.
"Rome Odunze was great, Ja'Lynn Polk was great, but McMillan was just as good as any of them," a PAC-12 coach told Rittenberg during his survey. "He was hurt, and that's probably why he's not as talked about, but I wouldn't bet against that kid."
I would have to agree with the anonymous college football coaches here. McMillan has an impressive track record and a lot of tools that should translate at the next level. There's no reason for him to be the WR16 and 83rd overall prospect on the consensus big board. He's also someone who would fit perfectly into what the Tennessee Titans are trying to do on offense.
As a result of playing with Odunze and Polk – two wide receivers who primarily took snaps outside – McMillan spent a lot of time in the slot at Washington. He's a really smooth route-runner with explosive speed and good body control. While he best projects as a slot, I could also see McMillan as a Z. Similar to Calvin Ridley, he can hurt opposing defenses from anywhere.
Titans head coach Brian Callahan told me last week that the Titans are still looking for someone to emerge in the slot. He also said that Tennessee could never have enough explosive weapons on offense.
I still think this is the perfect time for the Titans to take a swing on a high-upside wide receiver in the draft. DeAndre Hopkins only has one year remaining on his contract and brining in a young receiver, complimented by Hopkins and Ridley, to grow with Will Levis is really attractive to me.
I'd be all for drafting a Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze in the first round, but if the Titans don't want to splurge to that degree, I'd be looking at McMillan on Day 2.
Brian Callahan leaves the door open for Titans adding more wide receivers
Titans might not be done adding at WR.
