Many expected the Panthers to explore trading down during last night’s opening round. Failing that, a defensive addition was seen as a logical target. Wideout Tetairoa McMillan emerged as a name to watch, however, and the Arizona wideout was taken with the No. 8 pick. 
In the wake of that decision, further details have emerged on the McMillan pick. Carolina elected to draft a wideout for the second offseason in a row, after general manager Dan Morgan and Co. went with Xavier Legette in 2024. McMillan had a strong advocate in the form of quarterback Bryce Young, something he touched on shortly after hearing his name called.
“Going into Mr. Morgan’s office, going into coach [Dave] Canales’ office and really just sitting on the table for me and telling them, ‘Hey, man, we need to pick this guy,’” McMillan said, via Joe Person of The Athletic (subscription required). “Although I feel like I did what I needed to do to be in this position, I give credit to Bryce for vouching for me and ultimately for them taking a chance on me.”
Over the course of his three years in college, the All-American demonstrated a strong ability with respect to contested catches in particular. While questions linger about McMillan’s deep speed and ability to separate at the NFL level, his skillset will be welcomed on a offense which ranked 30th in passing yardage last season. It will be interesting to see how Young and McMillan operate together given the former No. 1 pick’s role in the latter’s arrival in Charlotte.
Morgan said (via Person) there was trade interest in the Panthers’ top pick, which comes as no surprise. The Rams were among those looking to move up the board, with Person’s colleague Dianna Russini reporting McMillan was viewed as the target for that effort. Los Angeles moved on from Cooper Kupp this offseason, leaving Puka Nacua and free agent addition Davante Adams atop the depth chart at the WR spot. After seeing McMillan (along with fellow wideouts Emeka Egbuka and Matthew Golden) hear their names called on Day 1, the Rams ultimately traded out of the first round.
For the Panthers, meanwhile, McMillan will be expected to handle a notable workload right away alongside Legette and (for at least one season) veteran Adam Thielen. If he develops as planned, the team could have a strong receiver tandem in place for years to come.