The Carolina Panthers are entering the 2025 season with renewed hope, especially with rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan expected to step into a major role.
Selected eighth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, McMillan is expected to become the top target for quarterback Bryce Young as the team looks to improve a struggling offense.
Panthers Rookie Tetairoa McMillan Lauds NFC Rival
The 6-foot-4, 219-pound McMillan has already drawn praise for his size, red zone potential, and maturity. Among NFL players, one stands out as a source of inspiration for McMillan, and that is Los Angeles Rams wideout Puka Nacua. Like McMillan, Nacua is of Polynesian heritage and has made a name for himself at the professional level.
“To be honest with you, outside of Amon-Ra St. Brown, he [Nacua] was one of the best players I’ve ever seen play in my life with my own eyes,” said McMillan via RG. “I was fortunate enough to go to one of his high school games where he had 317 yards, and like four or five touchdowns.”
McMillan added, “He’s putting on for our Polynesian people. There’s not so many receivers that are Polynesians. We don’t really play skill positions. Just him being able to do, be that role model for us, that pioneer for us. It’s a blessing.”
Nacua was a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but he has quickly emerged as one of the best receivers in the league. In 28 games across his first two seasons, the Rams star has recorded 184 receptions for 2,476 yards and nine touchdowns.
The Panthers will face off against Nacua and the Rams in late November, a game McMillan eagerly awaits. As he adapts to the NFL, the Panthers’ rookie will benefit from veteran guidance, especially from 35-year-old Adam Thielen, who’s preparing for what could be his final season.
In addition to Thielen, McMillan is surrounded by a physically imposing receiving corps that includes Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker. McMillan admits he’s already learning from his teammates. “Adam Thielen, Xavier, there’s a lot of dudes in this room that I’ll definitely be stealing some moves from,” he said with a laugh. “Don’t worry. I got it.”
The Panthers recently signed Hunter Renfrow to a one-year, $1.22 million deal. He will also be a good veteran alongside Thielen to guide McMillan and Legette.
Carolina finished 5-12 last season, but Young’s late-season improvement was a massive positive for the team. The NFC South team has had a great offseason and is showing full faith in the quarterback to lead them.
McMillan’s arrival will not only help Young but also Legette, who had an underwhelming rookie season last year. The Panthers have a real shot at winning their division, and it will be interesting to see how they fare in Dave Canales’ second season.