The Arrival of Tetairoa McMillan: Forecasting His First Year
It seemed obvious that the Carolina Panthers, who had the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, would select a defensive player. A plethora of reasons pointed fans, front offices, and even players toward the idea of taking a defender. For one, Carolina conceded the most points ever by an NFL team in 2024, a feat that one would think would lead to them bolstering their defense. Secondly, the team just drafted a wide receiver in Xavier Legette, a player who they think can be a valuable threat down the field and someone who can make plays after the catch. Through all of the chatter, commotion, and expectations, Panthers general manager Dan Morgan knew who he wanted all along, and it was not a player on the defensive side of the ball.
In recent drafts, there has not been a clear number one wideout, one that stands above the rest. In 2024, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers had some competition against each other, and in 2023, four receivers were taken in a row, yet they did not come off the board until the 20th pick. In this year’s class, Tetairoa McMillan was the top dog, and there was not much debate. The Panthers agreed with this mantra and ultimately selected the ex-Arizona superstar at number eight.
McMillan is a big-bodied, X-type receiver. This means he is going to be the number one option for Bryce Young, whether it is on deep balls or over the middle. McMillan’s six-foot-four frame and tremendous body control both contribute to the fascination that Carolina had with him as a prospect, but what stands out is how consistent he is. The former Wildcat had eight or more touchdown catches in each of his three years at Arizona and went for over 1,300 yards in the latter two. Along with his consistency comes his ability to come down with contested catches at what seems like will. His wide catch radius will allow Bryce Young to put the ball where only McMillan can get it and will result in more points in Carolina because the first-rounder is more than comfortable in the red zone.
Another facet of T-Mac’s game that reportedly blew the Panthers organization away is his ability to break press-man coverage. Press coverage is what most of the top corners in the league play, mainly because of their elite hand-fighting skills and ability to knock WRs off their path. Players like Derek Stingley Jr. and Sauce Gardner headline the list of the best man-coverage corners in the league, and McMillan will be marked by the opposing team’s number-one cornerback. So, his ability to fool CBs with run-offs and beat his marker at the line will be a huge part of his predetermined success in Charlotte.
Tet McMillan has the build, work ethic, and talent to become a true superstar in this league. All of these skills he possesses help him separate himself from the other young wideouts across the NFL, and he could be a sleeper candidate for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award due to his pro-ready skill set. This Panthers wide receiver room is deep, but McMillan is getting the chance to headline the unit. Expect a lot of targets, a new best friend for Bryce Young, and a new number-one receiver in Carolina.
