Let’s take a closer look at one of the prospects the Panthers could select in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Since it’s never too early to look forward to the NFL Draft, this weekly series will take a closer look at some of the prospects the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2025 iteration of the Draft. In this series, we’ll only be looking at prospects the Panthers could seriously consider. This week our profile will focus on Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.
After exploding his sophomore year with 90 catches for over 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns, McMillan has put together an equally impressive junior season despite catching no one off guard. Though the Wildcats as a whole have been disappointing, Tetairoa is on pace to equal or eclipse last year’s numbers in most categories. He’s averaging right at seven catches for 110 yards per game and has eight touchdown receptions so far this season. All this production is despite the Wildcats offense ranking 108th in the FBS in yards per play this season.
One of the first tools anyone will notice when watching McMillan is his prototypical x receiver size. He’s 6’5, 212 pounds, which makes him a mismatch for any corner opposite him. While many large college receivers would rely on that size advantage to win (and McMillan does dominate contested catches), he also creates plenty of separation on almost every type of route. He doesn’t have the quick twitch acceleration of a Tyreek Hill, but he does run crisp routes and has a great understanding of coverages and leverage. Perhaps his most impressive asset is McMillan’s ability to catch the ball as long as it’s anywhere close to him. Opposing defensive backs must feel like he has magnets in his gloves. While he’s not much of a blocker, McMillan has shown willingness to get his hands dirty in the run game. He could also add some functional strength to help him fight through press and tight coverages. Overall, McMillan’s ability to show up big in big games and win from any alignment on offense (X, Z, even slot) makes him well worth the investment of a top ten pick.
What do you think, Panthers fans? If McMillan is available when the Panthers select in the 2025 NFL Draft, should they take him? Sound off in the comments!