Unpacking Future Packers: No. 53, Washington WR Jalen McMillan
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.
Hitting on Day 2 wide receivers and having franchise quarterbacks. That’s what Green Bay does!
Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Davante Adams and James Jones. All Day 2 wide receivers that went on to have successful careers with the Green Bay Packers. There is a chance that Jayden Reed and Christian Watson join that list soon.
Given the state of Green Bay’s wide receiver room, it would be somewhat surprising if the Packers spent a Day 2 pick on a wide receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, in what could be a historic wide receiver class, Brian Gutekunst may get a severe case of FOMO.
A player that Green Bay’s general manager could target on Day 2 of the upcoming draft is Jalen McMillan. The University of Washington wide receiver checks in at No. 53 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A California native, McMillan enjoyed a breakout season in 2022. McMillan hauled in 79 receptions for 1,098 yards and nine touchdowns.
During the first three games this past season, McMillan recorded 20 receptions for 311 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for a touchdown during the season-opener against Boise State. Following those three games, McMillan missed extended time with a leg injury before returning to the lineup late in November. In the four games upon his return, McMillan recorded 25 receptions for 248 yards and two touchdowns.
Watching McMillan run routes is like listening to smooth jazz. He’s always open with his ability to create separation. He snaps off his routes and varies his tempo to keep defensive backs off balance.
The former track athlete is a three-level threat that can beat you over the top with his ability to find a second gear downfield. During his breakout campaign in 2022, McMillan hauled in 29 passes of 15-plus yards. McMillan tracks the ball well and has good body control. The California native has reliable hands and plucks the ball away from his frame.
“He’s an excellent route runner, after two years working with wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard he turned into one of the better route runners on the team,” Roman Tomashoff, the editor for UWHuskiesWire, said. “I had heard from scouts that he needed to work on becoming more fluid in and out of his breaks after 2022 and he improved on that in the limited reps he got following a knee injury that shortened his 2023 season.”
Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb did a great job of moving McMillan around. He can line up in the slot, on the boundary and even out of the backfield. A creative playcaller will be pounding the table to get their hands on an electric playmaker like McMillan.
“Jalen’s greatest strength is his versatility and athleticism,” Tomashoff said. “He can line up all over the formation and do so many different things with the ball in his hands that he’s a dream for any offensive coordinator because he’s a Swiss army knife of sorts.”
The Huskies did a good job of utilizing McMillan on swing/bubble screens to get the ball in his hands. He’s elusive in space with the stride and speed to outrun defenders.
“He wins after the catch with his elusiveness and athleticism,” Tomashoff said. “The Huskies liked to utilize him on screens just to get the ball in his hands and let him go to work after the catch. He’s a big play threat and can score any time he touches the ball thanks to his athleticism and elusiveness.”
Fit with the Packers
The Packers have a young, crowded wide receiver room. Watson, Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Romeo Doubs and Bo Melton make it hard to see another young wide receiver entering that room and making a major impact.
Having said that, Matt LaFleur rotates his wide receivers enough that McMillan could get a bite of the apple. Add to that fact that McMillan is capable of lining up wherever he’s needed and he could provide the Packers another dynamic weapon for Jordan Love.
“I would draft Jalen because according to everyone around him, he’s one of the hardest working people they’ve ever met,” Tomashoff said. “He is determined to be the best version of himself on and off the field every day and he has the potential to be a major contributor from his first day at the NFL level.”
The Packers adding a wide receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft, would be a luxury pick. They have more pressing needs. However, a team can never have enough weapons and ways to attack defenses. McMillan is a versatile playmaker who would add another wrinkle to Green Bay’s young offense.
