Panthers grab Tetairoa McMillan with No. 8 selection

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The Carolina Panthers selected Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, eighth overall.

McMillan recorded 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024. He put up a career-high 1,402 yards and 10 scores the year prior.

McMillan represents a top investment for Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. He'll join a receiving corps featuring Xavier Leggette and Adam Thielen, among others.

Pre-draft profile

McMillan is a contested-catch machine. The Arizona star has the size, body control, and ball skills to consistently win above the rim over opposing defensive backs. That's his main selling point, but he's certainly not one-dimensional. McMillan also shows better short-area quickness than you might expect for a player with his frame, evident in his ability to get in and out of his breaks efficiently. He's also an intelligent route-runner who knows how to work back to the ball. His playmaking ability after the catch really improved in 2024, as he tied for third among all receivers with 29 missed tackles forced on receptions, according to PFF. Average speed won't do him any favors when it comes to separating consistently at the next level, so further development of his routes and release packages may be required. But it's less of a concern for him than it may be for smaller targets. His rare ability at the catch point gives him the ultimate trump card. McMillan is a potential No. 1 receiver who will be making his fair share of highlight-reel plays in the pros.