ARIZONA WILDCATS FOOTBALL

ESPN’s Reid: Arizona football roster equipped with 4 future NFL Draft prospects

Aug 13, 2024, 9:49 AM

Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita dropping back to pass...

Quarterback Noah Fifita #11 of the Arizona Wildcats drops back to pass during the first half of the NCAAF game against the Washington Huskies at Arizona Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Arizona Wildcats football team on Monday was ranked No. 21 in The Associated Press top 25 preseason poll despite entering a new conference with a new head coach. Expectations are high because the roster is led by a foursome of players with NFL-level talent.

ESPN NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid pinned Arizona as an “under-the-radar team to watch” in reference to their potential for prospects taken in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Of the 10 teams featured, Oregon was the only other former Pac-12 member to make the cut.

Reid split the prospect-heavy programs into three tiers based on predicted first-rounders and total draftees expected to enter next year’s draft.

Powerhouses Georgia and Ohio State occupied the top two spots in Tier 1, unsurprising as No. 1 and No. 2 in AP’s preseason poll. They’re expected to produce 16 and 14 projected draft picks, respectively.

In total, Reid expects Arizona to produce two first-round players and four overall picks in 2025.

‘Top prospect to know:’ WR Tetairoa McMillan

McMillan, the 6-foot-5 rising junior, has already been graded with great stock this preseason as a fixture of three All-American teams and a candidate for the Biletnikoff and Maxwell awards.

He capped last season with 90 catches and 1,402 receiving yards while finding the end zone 10 times. The projected 2025 first-rounder also averaged 107.8 yards per game, placing fifth in all the FBS.

Reid compared the Wildcat’s wideout to the Drake London of the Atlanta Falcons due to his overall size and versatility. Though the NFL draft expert currently has McMillan as the second wide receiver going off his board to Luther Burden III of Missouri, Reid said he would not be shocked if the Arizona product went No. 1 like London did just two years ago.

‘Sleeper prospect to watch:’ OL Jonah Savaiinaea

Fellow rising junior Savaiinaea was not a recipient of as much preseason attention as McMillan, but the 2023 All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention has proven enough at such a valuable position.

Reid said pro scouts are torn on whether the 330-pounder projects as a guard or tackle, but the consensus is he will be a top-40 pick.

Savaiinaea started all 13 games for Arizona last season while only allowing two sacks in 889 snaps. He has played both tackle and guard for the Wildcats and Reid said that type of versatility could significantly increase his draft capital.

Other Wildcat standouts

Quarterback Noah Fifita made huge strides in his first season as a starter for Arizona, collecting 2023 Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year.

He posted 2,869 passing yards and 25 touchdowns through the air up against only six interceptions. Despite his ability to produce magical plays, Reid said that his smaller size (5-foot-10, 194 pounds) and lack of production in the pocket will limit his ceiling.

Fifita’s 72.4% completion rate in 2023 was the highest in program history, highlighted by a 30-for-41 performance in the Territorial Cup against rival Arizona State in which he tossed for a single-game record 527 yards.

Cornerback Tacario Davis was Reid’s final Wildcat with professional upside. He’s a rising junior who was an 2023 All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention.

Like McMillan, he achieved national notoriety thanks to last year’s campaign, as he finished tied for fourth in pass breakups with 14. Reid credited Davis’ “lanky body structure” for his success and projection as a late first or early second-round pick.

Davis also closed out his sophomore season with a career-high 25 total tackles and appeared in all 13 games.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona Wildcats football

ARIZONA...

Alex Weiner

Arizona Wildcats football signing day tracker

Arizona quickly announced a trio of three-star recruits: DL Porter Patton, RB Cornelius Warren III and junior college OL transfer Siale Uluave. 

1 day ago

A recent ESPN mock draft has the Cardinals taking two cornerbacks in the first two rounds of the NF...

Brandon Cadiz

ESPN’s Matt Miller has Cardinals taking two CBs in Mock Draft

ESPN's analyst Matt Miller has the Cardinals taking two cornerbacks with their first two picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.

2 days ago

Arizona...

Alex Weiner

Wildcats’ 2025 football schedule revealed by Big 12

The Big 12 on Tuesday released the 2025 conference schedule for Arizona Wildcats football, featuring games against ASU, BYU and Iowa State. 

2 days ago

East's Jacory Croskey-Merritt, of Arizona, celebrates after scoring a touchdown against West in the...

Lance Hartzler

Arizona’s Croskey-Merritt named offensive MVP, ASU’s Shamari Simmons stands out at Shrine Bowl

Jacory Croskey-Merritt was named the offensive MVP at East-West Shrine Bowl. Shamari Simmons also a standout.

6 days ago

Jonah Savaiinaea had a big day during Senior Bowl practice on Wednesday...

Tyler Drake

Arizona Wildcats OT Jonah Savaiinaea impresses at guard during Senior Bowl prep

Arizona Wildcats offensive tackle Jonah Savaiinaea is making his presence felt during Senior Bowl prep this week.

7 days ago

Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill speaks at a press conference...

Kevin Zimmerman

Arizona Sports Hall of Fame class includes Michael Bidwill, Mike Bibby and Julie Ertz

Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill, Wildcats product Mike Bibby and soccer star Julie Ertz are part of the 2025 Arizona Sports Hall of Fame class.

7 days ago

ESPN’s Reid: Arizona football roster equipped with 4 future NFL Draft prospects