Panthers Draft Key Offensive Piece in WR Tetairoa McMillan

The Carolina Panthers have added a major weapon for franchise quarterback Bryce Young, selecting wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan out of Arizona with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. McMillan, a 6’4", 220-pound playmaker, offers the size, athleticism, and red zone presence Carolina has been missing in recent seasons.

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Viewed as one of the most physically gifted wideouts in the draft class, McMillan draws comparisons to Mike Evans for his ability to high-point the football and dominate contested catches. While Evans has a Hall of Fame resume, McMillan brings similar traits—length, leaping ability, and refined body control—that made him a top-10 talent.

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Head coach Dave Canales and the Panthers front office are clearly focused on surrounding Bryce Young with the tools he needs to succeed. With inconsistent receiver play last season and questions around depth, McMillan immediately upgrades the wide receiver room. His ability to stretch the field and win in the red zone gives Young a much-needed security blanket.

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Reports surfaced that McMillan and Young had been training together privately prior to the draft—strengthening their chemistry before ever stepping onto an NFL field. Whether intentional or not, the pairing makes sense and adds intrigue to Carolina’s offensive plans for 2025.

This pick rates as a solid 8.5 out of 10, as the Panthers aim to build an explosive offense around their young QB. McMillan has the potential to become the WR1 in Carolina and a future star in the NFC South.

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