McMillen could be someone the Bills target on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft
Though details of private workouts are occasionally difficult to come by and reported with less veracity than top-30 pre-draft visits, Mike Garafolo dug deeper past those official team visits to point out that wide receiver Jalen McMillan had conducted a private workout with the Buffalo Bills.
#Washington WR Jalen McMillan visits the #Bengals today, wrapping up a slate of visits that’s included the #Chiefs, #AZCardinals, #Jaguars, #Panthers and #Dolphins. McMillan, a projected Day 2 #NFLDraft pick, also had private workouts with the #Bills and #Vikings. pic.twitter.com/taXDrSMMRh
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 17, 2024
With McMillan widely projected to be a Day 2 draft pick within the framework of a very stacked receiver group, he could be someone the Bills look to add in Rounds 2 or 3 next Friday night.
The former Washington Huskies receiver measured in at 6’1” and 197 pounds during this year’s NFL Scouting Combine. He clocked in at 4.47 seconds during the 40-yard dash, with a 1.53-second 10-yard split, 6.94-second 3-cone drill, 4.18-second 20-yard shuttle — adding a 37” vertical and 10’7” broad jump.
In four seasons at Washington, McMillan made 164 receptions for 2,143 yards with 17 touchdowns; adding six rushing attempts for 46 yards and one touchdown. McMillan’s 2022 season stands out as his best, with 79 catches for 1,098 yards and nine touchdowns.
(stats courtesy of Sports Reference)
Jalen McMillan is a physical and proficient receiver who’s shown he has what it takes to make the tough catch during the biggest moment. With a 10” hand size, he’d provide another reliable option between the sticks on any given down, but with the potential to lull defenses to sleep en route to a deep play or three each game.
Many draft experts and NFL analysts believe that McMillan will make his living out of the slot in the NFL, should he become a starter. That idea may raise plenty of questions about how many slot-savvy receivers the Bills need. When considering the potential of second-year tight end Dalton Kincaid as a non-traditional weapon out of the slot, that portion of the roster feels very crowded.
Where the Bills lack observed and proven NFL talent is at both boundary receiver roles. They chose not to compete for Gabe Davis, who left for the Jacksonville Jaguars early in free agency, then weeks later decided the time was right to part ways with Stefon Diggs.
Some have said that Buffalo may be headed toward positionless wide receiver personnel, which could explain the players they’ve targeted this offseason, and those who are holdovers from 2023.
If true, then adding talent in numbers the likes of Jalen McMillan may be the Buffalo Bills’ preferred method. That is, unless or until they land their next WR1 to pair with quarterback Josh Allen.