As the NFL Draft approaches, analysts continue to emphasize the Los Angeles Chargers’ need to bolster their wide receiver corps, aiming to provide Justin Herbert with additional offensive weapons. With Herbert entering his sixth season, the urgency to maximize his potential and surround him with quality talent is paramount.
Recent mock drafts from ESPN and NFL.com have highlighted two potential additions for the Chargers: Texas Longhorns’ Matthew Golden and Arizona Wildcats’ Tetairoa McMillan. Both players are consistently ranked among the top 32 prospects and are projected as first-round talents. The question then becomes, which player would be the more impactful addition?
Are Golden Or McMillian The Answer For The Los Angeles Chargers At Receiver?
An ESPN draft analyst suggests that “The Chargers could complete their WR room rebuild by taking Golden. They brought back Mike Williams this month, but Ladd McConkey still needs a real game-breaker opposite him in this offense. Golden emerged as the go-to option in Texas’ offense last season (987 receiving yards and nine TDs) then turned heads with his 4.29-second run in the 40 at the combine.”
They also added, “His big-play chops and stellar route running would pair well with McConkey’s reliable chain-moving traits. Los Angeles pivoted more toward the passing game in the second half of last season, and giving quarterback Justin Herbert another target would open up the aerial attack even more in 2025.” Golden’s athleticism and reliable hands, particularly in intermediate and deep routes, make him an appealing prospect.
However, Tetairoa McMillan offers a distinct skillset. “I won’t be shocked if McMillan goes in the top eight picks or if he slides into this section of Round 1. There is a wide range of potential landing spots for the former Arizona star, but the team that drafts him will be getting a receiver with incredible size, body control and ball skills,” an NFL.com analyst stated. Despite the return of Mike Williams, adding another physically imposing receiver like McMillan would be beneficial. McMillan’s run-after-catch ability, a trait Williams lacks, adds a dynamic element to his game.
While Golden and McMillan are both highly regarded, McMillan’s unique attributes appear to make him a more suitable fit for the Chargers’ offensive structure. His size and catch radius, combined with his run-after-catch ability, complement Herbert’s style of play. Although Golden is a promising prospect, his skillset overlaps somewhat with Ladd McConkey’s, making McMillan the more desirable pairing for Herbert.
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