There has been a lot of speculation around who the Patriots might take with the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, mainly because they don't need a quarterback and plenty of teams in the top-10 do. That creates a massive opportunity to hit a homerun on a non-quarterback prospect, including some of the best wide receivers of the class.
That is why they have been consistently connected to Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter, the overwhelmingly considered best pass catcher, and even player, of the incoming rookies. The Patriots are in a good position to have him fall into their lap at No. 4, but he's not the end all, be all at receiver and others are certainly worth monitoring.
One of those is Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan, the second-ranked receiver of the 2025 group. He checks many boxes on the kind of player the Patriots would want in a receiver, especially for the development of Drake Maye. He has been a name associated with New England in recent weeks, at least according to newer mock drafts, but he has presumably been off their radar for much of the offseason.
Maybe his recent comments to CBS Sports could change their mind.
Tetairoa McMillan admits he'd like to work with Patriots QB Drake Maye in the NFL
While speaking to the news outlet this past week, the highly coveted wide receiver was asked which quarterback he would rather catch passes from: Bears Caleb Williams or Patriots' Drake Maye.
Because Williams was the first overall pick in the 2024 Draft, many would assume that would be his answer. But McMillan shocked many fans, even the interviewer, when he replied with Maye, which should immediately pique the Patriots' interest.
Projected 1st-round pick Tetairoa McMillan says he would rather catch passes from #Patriots QB Drake Maye instead of #Bears QB Caleb Williams 👀
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) March 6, 2025
“I just feel like Drake Maye would be a little— somewhat different that I haven’t caught the ball from.”
(🎥 @CBSSports) pic.twitter.com/UK9clLyqR2
Related: Desperation from quarterback-needy teams a great sign for Patriots draft choices
There is some speculation that his answer was more about where he hopes to be drafted, as the Patriots pick at No. 4 in the first round and the Bears aren't on the clock until pick No. 10. But it also goes along with some who believe that Maye might actually be the better quarterback, which seemed to be seen during their rookie seasons last year.
Regardless, McMillan should be on the Patriots' radar, particularly if they trade down or are determined to get a receiver in the first round. There is a good chance that Travis Hunter won't be available when they're ready to pick, so the next best pass catcher would be McMillan, and he would be on the board to take.
It certainly depends on how they feel about his skillset and how he would mesh within a Josh McDaniels offense. It's hard to argue that he wouldn't be an asset for Maye, especially as a deep threat, so that shouldn't be considered. But adding players based on fit will be a big part of who is signed and drafted, which might explain the Patriots seemingly lack of interest in McMillan so far.