Jalen McMillan, WR, Washington
Size:
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 197 lbs
Arm Length: 32 1/8"
Hand Size: 10”
Accomplishments:
All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention (2022)
“Jalen McMillan is a slot receiver with a good blend of route-running and open-field speed that’s needed to be a strong contributor to an NFL offense.”
Strengths:
Tempoed route-runner
Quickness at top of routes
Creative usage, pre-snap motions
Competitive run blocker
Concerns:
Contested-catch concentration
Slot-heavy usage
Route stem contact balance
Experience versus press-coverage
Film Analysis:
Jalen McMillan’s alignment versatility is noticeable on tape. He plays in the slot, at the Z-spot, and takes snaps in the backfield at RB and wildcat QB. This affords the play caller a mismatch creator as a result. His willingness to do whatever his coaches need is a great trait in itself. As a result, he gives the play-caller a creative movement chess piece to design multiple ways to get the ball in his hands.
McMillan’s route-running is a clear strength of his game. He moves with patience and tempo, which makes it difficult for defenders to get a read on him. He moves with intent and suddenness at the breaking point of his routes. McMillan is a hassle to defend on horizontal routes crossing the field like deep overs, shallow crossers in mesh, etc. I was impressed with his football IQ, as he finds soft spots in zones fairly quickly. His alignment for the Huskies allowed him the opportunity to get free runs at flatfooted safeties 10-plus yards down the field. He knows how to sell routes with good hesitations, leans, and head fakes.
McMillan has good speed to consistently work vertically and threaten those deep safeties from the slot position. Whether he’s running slot fades, deep posts, or corner routes, McMillan can attack the deeper portions of the field. He has big and strong hands to pluck the ball out of the air away from his frame. I love the willingness and determination he displays as a slot run blocker. McMillan will tangle with linebackers with zero hesitation or fear. You want guys like that on your roster.
McMillan was gifted easy access to space and free grass against the defense in college. He is rarely pressed or given roadblocks to limit free releases. It’ll be different in the NFL and take time to adjust. His contact balance needs improvement—McMillan can be knocked off his route path when contacted. His concentration seems to dip in contested-catch situations, which has led to his ineffectiveness in this area. Although he aligns in multiple spots, 89% of his snaps came from the slot. Teams could struggle to project how effective he can be on the outside.
Overall, McMillan is a talented prospect who projects best as a versatile slot receiver at the next level. His route-running, speed, and creative usage will create multiple avenues for his OC to get him the football. I expect him to be a three-level slot with chain-moving ability in the short/quick game. He’s reliable.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 – Winning Starter
Written By: Damian Parson
Exposures: Michigan State (2023), Michigan (2023), Boise State (2023), Texas (2023)
