The Carolina Panthers began turning their season around late last year. After Bryce Young was benched early in the season, he returned a few games later and started to show real progress. For the first time, he looked comfortable as an NFL quarterback.
The problem? His pass-catching weapons aren’t ideal. With Xavier Legette and Adam Thielen as Young’s top targets, the Panthers could use another playmaker at wide receiver.
Panthers Projected to Draft a New WR
With the No. 8 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Panthers have a chance to land one of the top receivers in this class. In PFSN’s latest two-round mock draft by Marco Enriquez, they are projected to select Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona, a receiver often compared to Cincinnati Bengals star Tee Higgins.
“The Carolina Panthers’ struggles continued throughout last season. The good news? Bryce Young showed real growth down the stretch, giving Carolina hope. Now, they must get him a true No. 1 wide receiver.
“Tetairoa McMillan is the prototypical NFL X receiver, standing at 6’4″, 219 pounds. He has elite body control and strength while excelling at yards after the catch. He isn’t a burner, but McMillan’s speed is more than enough to threaten defenses. For Panthers fans hoping to land Tee Higgins, they get the next best thing in McMillan.
“Many will talk about the 4.48-second 40-yard dash time, but it shouldn’t scare you, and it won’t scare NFL general managers,” Enriquez wrote.
McMillan has a massive catch radius due to his size, making him a reliable target in contested situations. While he isn’t the fastest receiver, his 40-yard dash time is respectable, and he still poses problems for defenses at all levels of the field.
McMillan was the brightest spot on an Arizona team that won just four games last season. In 2024, he totaled 84 receptions, 1,319 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns — finishing nearly 1,000 yards ahead of the team’s next-best pass catcher. Over his collegiate career, he amassed 3,423 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns on 213 catches in three years. He produced at a high level from day one in college and is expected to continue that in the NFL.
McMillan consistently drew defensive attention at Arizona but still put up impressive numbers. The Higgins comparison is easy — both stand at 6’4” and around 220 pounds, both are physical receivers who can win jump-ball situations, and both are dangerous after the catch. However, McMillan is faster based on their respective 40-yard dash times. If he’s a faster version of Higgins, defenses across the league will need to take notice.
For the Panthers, a receiver like McMillan could be a game-changer. Carolina needs a do-it-all playmaker who can give Young a legitimate No. 1 target. Head coach Dave Canales and the front office must prioritize surrounding Young with talent, and McMillan would be a perfect fit.
Of course, there’s always the possibility he won’t be available at No. 8. But if he is, the Panthers should strongly consider taking him to pair with their young quarterback.