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Coming off a long stretch of struggling, the Carolina Panthers could use a couple of underrated sleepers to have a good season. And there are several players in danger of getting pushed out of the mix. But here are the three hottest takes coming out of the Panthers’ 2025 minicamp.
The biggest focus has been on the team’s first-round draft pick. Of course, every NFL team seems to tout its first-round pick through the summer and into the first few weeks of the season. However, some don’t pan out.
But Tetairoa McMillan seems to be on track for turning into one of the ones who can make an impact.
It starts with McMillan being open to what the coaches are saying, according to panthers.com.
“He’s really taken to the coaching, first and foremost,” Panthers head coach Dave Canales said. “The goal is to get him comfortable with the system, the different types of plays, and the different formations. We’re starting to make it more challenging in terms of moving it around in different spots. He’s handling it great. That gives him his best opportunity to play fast.
“I can tell when a guy’s not comfortable because they look a little methodical out there. You know, and so to see him be able to play fast, he looks pretty comfortable. But I know he’ll probably be the first one to come up here and say. I don’t feel like I have everything totally down pat. And that’s the goal, is to get him to where he’s completely comfortable.”
McMillan already stepped into the WR1 spot in the Panthers’ receiver room. He’s joined by veteran Adam Thielen and Xavier Legette. Also in the mix are Jalen Coker, Hunter Renfrow, David Moore, and Jimmy Horn Jr. All of them are putting the team first, McMillan said.
“It’s a huge testament to everybody’s humility that we have in our group; nobody’s entitled,” McMillan said. “At the end of the day, we all want to see each other succeed; if one person wins, we all win.
“I mean, it’s a blessing. I’m the new guy around town. I’ve never played in this league, and you know, Hunter’s going on, I think Year (7), I think Adam’s going on Year 13. For them just to have that knowledge, that wisdom. I’m all ears when they speak. Just being able to find out whatever makes them great, find out whatever can make me better, makes me succeed at this level.”
Bryce Young and Jimmy Horn Jr. stayed in the mix of getting mouthy during camp. It’s a fire and intensity that Canales said he likes, according to panthers.com.
“Honestly, it’s just been like that,” Canales said. “Ever since we started practicing against each other, they, particularly Chuba, Jaycee, (and) Bryce, they’re all kind of going back and forth. And the energy for us is never about the opponent. It’s never about trying to...
