Would the Carolina Panthers use their first pick, No. 8 overall, on a big-bodied wide receiver? PFSN predicts them to take a “true alpha” at the position in their latest mock draft.
If the Panthers are going to stick with Bryce Young at quarterback, a one-time question since head coach Dave Canales answered after Carolina’s final regular-season game, they will need to draft more weapons for him on the perimeter. One name to watch is Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan.
Panthers Predicted to Draft Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan
PFSN’s Marco Enriquez has McMillan going to the Panthers at No. 8 in his latest mock draft. In it, the 6’5″, 215-pounder gets favorably compared to Tee Higgins for his body control and strength.
McMillan could morph into the “true alpha” wide receiver needed to pair alongside speedster Xavier Legette who went No. 32 overall to Carolina last year.
Canales was asked about Young’s status for next year, jokes that he’s out of weeks to declare him week-to-week.
“Bryce is our quarterback.”
“Proud of the way he took the challenge and grew.”
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) January 5, 2025
Enriquez wrote, “The Panthers’ struggles continued for much of last season. The good news is that Bryce Young emerged in the latter part of the campaign and gave some hope to Carolina fans. The one thing that is still evident is that they are in desperate need of a true alpha wide receiver.
“Tetairoa McMillan is the prototype for an NFL X receiver, coming in at 6’5″ and 215 pounds. He shows impressive body control and strength. He also excels at picking up yardage after the catch better than you would expect for a player with his frame. He has enough speed to be dangerous, even though he isn’t likely to be running away from NFL defenders. Think Tee Higgins.”
McMillan racked up 84 catches for 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns in 12 games for Arizona last season. He left the school with 213 receptions for 3,423 yards and 26 total scores in three drool-worthy years.
Evaluating the Rest of the Receiver Class in 2025
There is a small chorus of scouts and analysts shouting that McMillan might be the best receiver in this year’s entire draft class. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. had him as the second wideout off the board — not counting Travis Hunter, after Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka — as the hype boils over.
Another PFSN mock draft has McMillan going to the Carolina Panthers at No. 8 overall. PFSN’s Owain Jones wrote, “Tetairoa McMillan would be Bryce Young’s go-to weapon as the Carolina Panthers quarterback continues his resurgence from his mid-season benching.
“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.”
Tetairoa McMillan | WR | ARI
Tall, lengthy X-WR who plays up to his size at the catch point. An incredibly fluid mover for his giving him the ability to snap off routes after selling a vertical stem. Flashes a quality release package & general understanding of zone spacing. pic.twitter.com/VJfHCSYuqd
— Matt Lane (@Matty_KCSN) February 27, 2025
Multiple scouting reports have praised McMillan’s size in helping him to easily win jump-balls and make contested catches. His tape is littered with highlight-reel touchdown grabs, making him extra dangerous in the red zone and down near the goal line.