IDP 20/20: Raekwon McMillan

Welcome to the IDP 20/20 series. Alongside our offensive Dynasty Scouts coverage, we will also be profiling and providing 20 facts you must know about 15 of the top incoming IDP rookies in the class.

1.) Name – Raekwon McMillan

2.) College – Ohio State

3.) Height/weight – 6’2”, 240lbs

4.) Birth Date – November 17, 1996 (20 years old currently)

5.) Class – Junior

6.) College Stats – 

2016: 102 Total Tackles, 49 Solos, 7.85 Tot/G,  7 Tackles For Loss, 2 Sacks, 4 Passes Defended

2015: 119 Total Tackles, 57 Solos, 9.15 Tot/G, 4 TFLs, 1.5 Sacks, 4 PDs

2014: 54 Total Tackles, 30 Solos, 4.15 Tot/G , 6.5 TFLs, 2.5 Sacks, 1 Pds, 1 Int

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7.) NFL Draft Round Projection – Round two-three. McMillan was the darling of the 2017 linebacker class at this time last year. Many expected him to solidify his position as the top off ball linebacker. He did not live up to the hype this season, and has fallen out of the first tier.

8.) Best Possible destination – The best possible landing spot would be a Mike-needy 4-3 team, where McMillan could thrive with his run stuffing skills. The team that fits that bill closest would be the Detroit Lions. McMillan could immediately fill the Sam role but could take over for the underwhelming Tahir Whitehead as the Mike as the season progressed or in 2018 when he is a free agent.

9.) Current NFL Comp – I think Todd Davis is the closest NFL comp currently. Davis is a beast in the run game, questionable in coverage, and still needs to mature in his play diagnosing. I expect McMillan to be in that realm in year one, but he has the tools to become a better player than that.

10.) Worst Possible destination – I think the worst destination is really any depth chart or scheme where he only plays base formations and does not stay on the field in nickel. An easy example would be Tampa Bay where he would play Sam in base sets then there is no chance of him sniffing nickel snaps with the coverage skills/range skills of Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander.

11.) Best current skills – McMillan’s play strength and tackling skills are the best part of his game. His ability to knock back running backs and wrap up consistently is pretty impressive. From that stand point, you could think of him as a more fluid Denzel Perryman.

12.) Skills that need to be improved – McMillan can struggle in space, coverage, and lacks the range some teams may want. McMillan also struggled with shedding blocks during the 2016 season although some of that may be attributed to assignment changes.

13.) Projected Dynasty Value – The IDP value of McMillan appears to be in the LB4-LB6 range in rookie drafts; somewhere in that murky tier two of linebackers. I cannot find an IDP analyst that has him in their top two linebackers anymore. We could see some movement in that based on the combine. If you are a McMillan truther you may be able to get him for discount.

14.) As a prospect – McMillan, was a 5 star prospect and the number one prospect in the nation at inside linebacker. He was even ranked 22nd overall in the nation as recruit according to 247 Sports.

15.) The Tale of Two different Years – As I mentioned earlier, McMillan was the off ball linebacker on everyone’s lips after his 2015 season. Most expected him to improve at the deficiencies of his game such as range like Reuben Foster did. The 2016 season had McMillan decreasing his averages tackles per game by over one and it showed up on film. In 2015, he showed great patience, the ability to stay clean, and a killer instinct to hit the appropriate hole. In the 2016 season, he tended to engage blocks more often, struggling to disengage quick enough to make the play. Some believe this illustrates more holes in his game, while others believe his role and assignment changed. It is obvious on film that the 2016 OSU defense incorporated more one-gapping concepts that left more blockers unoccupied on each play. What isn’t clear is whether McMillan was asked to stack and shed more, or did he somehow lose his patience and ability to stay clean.

16.) Combine Projection – McMillan is not the twitched-up athlete Darron Lee was, although they play the game differently. I expect McMillan to be a little better than Reggie Ragland in athletic testing. In the 2013 Sparq national Championship, McMillan ran a 4.79 forty with a 35 inch vertical at 243 pounds. His best drill that day was a positional best 4.15 shuttle.

17.) Intangibles – McMillan has been called the perfect Ohio State Buckeye. McMillan was a co-captain of the team this year and there a few examples of how he lets nothing get in his way in getting to practice. I have also read examples of how he owns his mistakes, doesn’t make excuses, but works to not let it happen again.

18.) Ageist Rejoice! McMillan doesn’t turn 21 until after the NFL season begins. McMillan’s breakout age as a linebacker is quite impressive and it is very feasible he has not reached the ceiling of his abiility yet. If McMillan doesn’t blossom in his first year in the NFL, he still will younger than many of the linebackers in next year’s class.

19.) Only Built 4 Cuban Linx – I know there are a few of us that are just excited to roster a player named after Wu-Tang clan member Chef Raekwon. Although the fact there will be player in the NFL named after an album I had in junior high is rude reminder of how old I am.

20.) See for yourself – At Draft Breakdown. Remember to watch some 2015 and 2016 games to help get a full picture.

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