FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Washington wide receiver Jalen McMillan.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jalen McMillan
Jalen McMillan (WR – Washington)
6’1″ – 189 lbs.
Background:
Four-star recruit who also played baseball in high school. Caught just one pass in his first season with the Huskies, then led the team in receiving yards the next year with 39-470-3 (12.1). Had by far his best year in 2022, with a 79-1,098-9 line (13.9), playing primarily in the slot, then reprised that role over eleven appearances this year and went 45-559-5 (12.4).
Positives:
Three-year contributor who enjoyed his most productive seasons from the slot but primarily lined up split out wide back in 2021. A bit taller and longer than usual for a slot receiver, with a flexible build. Savvy, polished route runner. Clean footwork to release at the line. Has good speed to challenge defenses downfield; not purely an underneath target, although a lot of his routes are patterns like hitches, whip routes, slants, and other in-breaking routes over the middle. Nice hip sink and footwork at the route stem. Good stop/start skills to freeze corners and create separation over the middle. Settles into soft spots against zone coverage. Tracks the ball well over his shoulder downfield. Adjusts well to passes away from his frame, with good body control. Good toughness to hang onto throws through contact when working the middle of the field. Competitive after the catch, with the ability to break the occasional tackle; the team tried to scheme him room in space with some tunnel screens, releases into the flats from bunch formations and from motion, etc. Surprisingly adequate blocker given his frame.
Negatives:
Struggled to replicate his 2022 output this season, falling behind some of his teammates. Frame is very thin. Didn’t face a lot of jams at the line of scrimmage during the games reviewed, but lack of ideal strength could make it difficult for him to handle big, physical corners. Could work back to the ball more consistently. Has struggled a bit with drops recently, with twelve over the past two seasons; those during the games reviewed looked like they were focus drops. Very low-percentage receiver in contested catch situations, and doesn’t have ideal size/bulk for that type of role at the next level.
Summary:
A polished receiver who knows how to use technique and speed changes to create separation and provide his quarterback with easy completions. In addition to his work underneath, is also a legitimate deep threat who the team dialed up shots for on posts and deep overs. One of the more pro-ready options in this year’s class, although his thin frame, lack of ideal functional strength, and tendency to drop some easy catches are legitimate concerns. Stands a chance of sneaking into the second day, but might be more of an early third-day selection.
Projection: Round 3-4
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