All signs point to the Chicago Bears selecting USC’s Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but, general manager Ryan Poles will also have several opportunities to add a game-changing wide receiver to his young quarterback’s arsenal.
The Bears, of course already have field-stretching wide receiver D.J. Moore as a focal point of the offense, and own the No. 9 overall selection, in addition to the top selection in April’s draft. However, don’t expect Poles to stand pat at wide receiver.
Pro Football Focus lists University of Washington wide receiver Jalen McMillan as the Bears’ perfect late-round fit in this year’s draft class.
“They could still use a nice complementary wide receiver next to D.J. Moore,” Trevor Sikkema writes for PFF. “And McMillan’s consistent ability to win from the slot would fit perfectly.”
While the Bears could always earmark the No. 9 overall selection to one of the top receivers in this year’s class, to put some finishing touches on Chicago’s offensive skill players, there’s also the possibility that the organization uses that pick to fortify the offensive line or buttress the defense.
If McMillan winds up in a Bears uniform, he could provide the coveted combination of talent, upside, and value as a Day 3 selection.
What Would Jalen McMillan Bring Chicago Bears?
McMillan, 6-foot-1 and 192 pounds, is a prototypical slot receiver with plenty of speed to take the top off opposing defenses.
Pro Football Focus points out that McMillan made six deep-ball catches during the 2023 season for 206 deep yards while averaging a 9.6-yard depth per target.
Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. layers this throw beautifully downfield to the back of the endzone just over the reach of the DB to hit Jalen McMillan for the TD.
Showed good velocity to drive the ball to beat the coverage. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/yY0zJN424z
— WBG84 (@WBG84) March 3, 2024
As a junior in 2023, McMillan caught 45 of his 63 targets for 553 yards with six touchdowns and was one season removed from a 1,098-yard and nine-touchdown sophomore season in 2022.
“NFL wideouts need to be able to separate and convert at the catch point,” Ian Cummings writes of McMillan for Pro Football Network. “And McMillan does both at a high level. He’s a technician as a route runner with a nuanced route tree, exceptional spatial instincts and throttle control, and sharp cutting ability.
Alongside Moore, and perhaps Darnell Mooney, if the Chicago Bears re-sign him, McMillan would round out what has the potential to be an electrifying receiving corps in the Windy City.
