ClutchPoints
The Carolina Panthers got money things done with their first-round pick. And that player also added a lucrative endorsement deal. However, Tetairoa McMillan is also the Panthers’ riskiest 2025 NFL offseason move.
High praise rolled the Panthers’ way when they drafted McMillan. And he seems to be a good fit, according to espn.com.
“McMillan is an easy fit in the offense as a true X receiver with big-play ability downfield,” Jordan Miller wrote. “He can also create big yards after the catch when utilized on screens and checkdown passes. Carolina has a fun group of young receivers, but no true No. 1. McMillan can be that immediately.”
Part of the risk comes not just from McMillan. It’s also a risk to make a first-round pick of a wide receiver when the quarterback situation is shaky. The Panthers have hitched their wagon to former No. 1 pick Bryce Young. That could be good. But it could also backfire.
And there are no guarantees that McMillan will thrive. Some darft analysts criticized his work ethic. Others didn’t like his overall skillset. That’s not the type of reviews the No. 8 overall pick usually gets.
However, one NFL insider had a different take, according to foxsports.com.
“There’s little doubt that McMillan is going to be a good NFL receiver,” Jordan Schultz. “The question is whether he can become a great one. At 6-4, 219 pounds, “T-Mac” is an easy comp to future Hall of Famer Mike Evans. One executive from a 2024 playoff team sees why: “He’s got true star-level tools and elite production. Our entire building loves him. There’s just no way he makes it to us.”
That’s good stuff. But the Panthers passed on game-changing defensive players. And the Panthers’ defense in 2024 was awful. However, they did make a lot of moves to improve the defense. But they probably gave too much money to Jaycee Horn. They signed him to a four-year $100 million deal.
Horn was not the best player at his position in 2024. He had a 59.1 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus, which ranked him 128th out of 222 cornerbacks. He did much better as a pass rusher (No. 8) and run defender (No. 13).
But would the Panthers have been better served to add to the defense at No. 8 overall instead of getting McMillan?
The proof will come in the season. The start has been good, according to panthers.com.
“It was my first time ever catching the ball from him and running routes from him,” McMillan said after throwing around at a 3DQB in Huntington Beach, Calif. “So, I guess you can say we got a head start on our little chemistry. That connection is gonna be something special.”
McMillan heaped plenty of praise on Young.
“I mean, it’s a blessing for me knowing that I have a young quarterback to grow with...
