The Carolina Panthers selected Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the eighth overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft last night, adding another weapon for quarterback Bryce Young.
McMillan led the nation as one of the top receivers in 2023, finishing third in FBS with 1,319 receiving yards. He averaged 15.7 yards per reception and set the Arizona Wildcats’ all-time record with 3,423 career receiving yards. A three-year starter, he posted over 1,300 receiving yards in both his sophomore and junior seasons and earned first-team AP All-American honors last fall.
NEW #PANTHERS WIDE RECEIVER TETAIROA MCMILLAN IS A FREAK.
THIS IS INSANE.
😱😱😱
pic.twitter.com/54epIO87dh— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) April 25, 2025
Tetairoa McMillan has been quietly training with QB Bryce Young in LA prior to his selection tonight, according to @RapSheet.#KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/OQOGdGXuFD
— ً (@ThomasWrrld) April 25, 2025
The pick marks the second straight year the Panthers have taken a wide receiver in the first round. In 2024, Carolina traded into the first round to draft Xavier Legette. McMillan is expected to start at the X receiver spot, with Legette shifting to the Z. Head coach Dave Canales said after the draft that Legette will be moved around to maximize his versatility.
The team now features a young receiving corps with McMillan, Legette, and 2024 undrafted standout Jalen Coker, alongside veteran Adam Thielen. However, with McMillan still untested at the NFL level, and Legette and Coker each showing inconsistencies, questions remain about depth and experience at the position.
Some analysts expected the Panthers to address their historically weak defense. Carolina allowed a league-worst 534 points in 2024 and forced only 17 turnovers in 18 games. Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker, a Salisbury native, had been projected to go at No. 8 but fell to the Falcons at No. 15 instead.
Despite the defensive struggles, the Panthers prioritized giving Bryce Young additional support in year two under Canales. McMillan’s addition signals a continued focus on building offensive firepower around the young quarterback.
