The Carolina Panthers can let out a sigh of relief despite finishing the 2024 season with a 5-12 record by finding comfort in their franchise quarterback, former No. 1 pick Bryce Young.
The Pennsylvania native had a poor rookie campaign, and the same trends continued into the start of his second season. That was until head coach Dave Canales moved Young to the bench for a few weeks. Upon his return, Young flashed signs of superstar potential, recording seven touchdowns and no interceptions in his final three appearances.
With the quarterback position locked down, the Panthers’ front office must provide talent around Young, whether in the NFL Draft or free agency. Carolina has some serious power with the No. 8 pick in the first round, which the team should use to find Young some help.
Panthers Could Land No. 1 Wide Receiver for Bryce Young
There is a consensus top true WR in the 2025 class: Arizona Wildcats’ Tetairoa McMillan. He is the consensus No. 1, assuming Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter plays primarily cornerback in the league.
Carolina would be foolish to pass on McMillan if he falls to their pick, but the chances aren’t great. The New England Patriots (No. 4) and New York Jets (No. 7) could each have a desire to select the 6’5″ wideout. PFN’s latest Mock Draft had the Panthers selecting Missouri WR Luther Burden III as McMillan was selected by the Jets.
Veteran Adam Thielen and rookie Xavier Legette spotlight the Panthers’ current WR room. Considering Thielen is nearing retirement, and Legette had a rather significant drop problem in his first year, adding McMillan to the mix is a strong idea.
While improving the offensive weapons around Young is paramount after his late-season surge, don’t count out the Panthers using the eighth overall pick on a defensive stud should McMillan and Hunter be off the board when it’s time for the eighth pick. Pro Football Network ranked the Panthers’ defense as the worst in the NFL, with a regular-season grade of 53.8 (F) according to PFN’s Defense+ metric.
McMillan’s Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 6’5″
- Weight: 210 pounds
- Position: Wide Receiver
- School: Arizona
- Current Year: Junior
Born in Waimānalo, Hawaii, McMillan played football at Servite High School in Anaheim, Calif., where his gifts quickly drew the spotlight. As a senior, he caught 88 passes for 1,302 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning high four-star and fringe five-star appeal.
An All-American Bowl attendee and the Polynesian Football Player of the Year, McMillan fielded interest from many highly regarded programs. Still, he chose to join the Wildcats under Jedd Fisch.
In doing so, McMillan became Arizona’s highest-rated signing ever. He also reunited with his good friend and high school QB, Noah Fifita.
From that point onward, McMillan — known colloquially as “T-Mac” — has done nothing but confirm his recruitment billing and pedigree.
In Arizona’s first game of the 2024 campaign against New Mexico, McMillan put together a 2016 Julio Jones-esque performance, racking up 10 catches for 304 yards and four touchdowns. That kind of domination is often reserved only for early-round talents.
That’s the kind of talent McMillan is: one who can take over a game at a moment’s notice.