NY Jets could draft Davante Adams' replacement in this star WR prospect

With the news of Davante Adams' likely departure from Florham Park alongside Aaron Rodgers, the NY Jets are going to be in the wide receiver market this offseason.

The question is, where do the Jets turn? They have to turn somewhere. Say what you want about Adams, but he was very good for the Jets in 2024 and he leaves a significant hole at the wide receiver position.

They could explore the trade market, dipping into their assets to acquire talent. Free agency is another option, allowing them to spend cap space to bolster the depleted position. Alternatively, they might turn to the upcoming draft and invest in some promising young prospects.

While the answer is almost certainly all of the above, Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports projects the Jets to spend some serious draft capital on the position. With the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Wilson mocks the Jets to select Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.

A highly touted prospect, McMillan is the No. 1 wide receiver prospect on Pro Football Focus' big board, and No. 3 on their big board overall.

Tetairoa McMillan could be the NY Jets' Davante Adams replacement

He would be a formidable threat on the outside as well as after the catch. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 212 pounds, his impressive leaping ability gives him a knack for high-pointing tough passes. He uses his size to box out defensive backs like an NBA center.

Once he has the ball in his hand, he moves down the field with deceptive agility for his size. Not many receivers pose both the "go up and get it" ability along with the YAC potential post-catch.

While he may lack off-the-ball explosiveness at the line of scrimmage, he compensates with his exceptional ability to outjump cornerbacks who simply can't match his height and reach.

He’s not the type of receiver who will blow by defenders like Tyreek Hill or Justin Jefferson. Instead, his game is more reminiscent of George Pickens or Tee Higgins. He’d be an excellent complement to Garrett Wilson’s speed and precise route-running. If he reaches his potential, few cornerback duos would be able to consistently cover both.

That is, of course, if he actually reaches his ceiling. There are some drawbacks, just like any other prospect.

As mentioned earlier, he lacks explosive speed off the line and doesn’t have the strength to overpower defensive backs in press coverage. His hip fluidity isn’t ideal for creating separation on quick routes and comebacks, so he’s not the type to consistently shake his defender.

McMillan combats these drawbacks with his uncanny recovery ability. He has enough height, enough length, and just enough hops to consistently pluck balls out of the air that most can't. He may give an inch to start the play, but he'll often take two once the ball comes his way.

If he does get the ball in his hands, good luck trying to stop him. That’s when he’s at his most dangerous. While he excels as a jump-ball receiver, he’s also a significant YAC threat. His greatest strength lies in what he does after the catch — he’s simply not easy to bring down.

Wide receiver is just one of many upgrades the Jets need this offseason. There’s plenty of work to be done and several directions they could go with this pick. But if they decide to target a receiver, it’ll be hard to find a better option than McMillan.

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