The Carolina Panthers finished with just five wins in 2024. Carolina played some unsightly football at times. And it seemed as if things were going to result in an even worse finish for the Panthers. However, they enjoyed a late-season turnaround led, in part, by young quarterback Bryce Young.
Young was briefly benched during the 2024 season. After returning in Week 12, though, he was incredible. The Panthers quarterback threw for 1583 yards, 11 touchdowns, and three interceptions, according to Pro Football Reference.
At times, it seemed as if Carolina would be searching for a new quarterback in 2025. Now, building around Young is the obvious move for this franchise. And in PSFN’s latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft, the Panthers do just that.
Panthers Select Standout WR In PFSN’s Latest Mock Draft
The 2025 NFL Mock Draft went in an interesting way in the first seven picks. Here is how the board fell before the Panthers were on the clock at No. 8:
- 1) Tennessee Titans – Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
- 2) Cleveland Browns – Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
- 3) New York Giants – Cam Ward, QB, Miami
- 4) New England Patriots – Will Campbell, OT, LSU
- 5) Jacksonville Jaguars – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
- 6) Las Vegas Raiders – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
- 7) New York Jets – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
With this eighth pick, the Panthers could have addressed several needs. Cornerback Will Johnson, for instance, could have paired well with Jaycee Horn. Additionally, they could have selected one of James Pearce Jr. or Jalon Walker to improve the pass rush.
Instead, the Panthers decided to select Tetairoa McMillan, the standout wide receiver out of Arizona. This gives Carolina a high-upside pass catcher to pair with Young for years to come.
“With a pterodactyl-like wingspan and an impressive catch radius, McMillan exhibits corrective tendencies and underrated athleticism. As a separator capable of physically competing at the catch point, the Arizona wide receiver is an ideal complement in Carolina,” PFSN’s Mock Draft said of McMillan’s fit with the Panthers.
McMillan burst onto the scene with the Wildcats in 2023. The Waimanalo, Hawaii native caught 90 passes for 1402 yards and 10 touchdowns during that campaign. He followed this up with an equally impressive 2024 season. He caught 84 passes for 1319 yards and eight touchdowns this past year.
The Panthers have addressed the receiver position in recent drafts. Their first-round pick in 2024 was a pass catcher. Carolina picked Xavier Legette out of South Carolina with the 32nd pick in last year’s draft.
Legette had a solid rookie campaign despite the team’s overall struggles. He caught 49 passes in 2024, which led the team. Moreover, the rookie pass catcher hauled in four touchdowns while racking up nearly 500 yards receiving. Only Adam Thielen had more receiving yards and touchdowns for Carolina.
McMillan would give the Panthers a potentially elite wide receiver option for Young. He could make a significant impact in his first season in the NFL. If Legette continues to develop, Carolina could have something truly special on its hands. And it could see them emerge out of their rebuilding phase with one of the more exciting young offenses in the NFL.