CHARLOTTE (AP/QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The Carolina Panthers kicked off their draft by grabbing Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the No. 8 pick, and quarterback Bryce Young might’ve played a big part in that decision.
McMillan said Young, who worked out with him last summer at the 3DQB camp in California, had been hyping him up to the front office. “Bryce kept telling them, ‘We need this guy,’” McMillan said. “I did my part, but I really appreciate him going to bat for me.”
The two go way back. They played against each other in high school, with Young’s Mater Dei squad edging out McMillan’s Servite in a nationally televised game. McMillan came away thinking Young was the best player in the country — and now, they’re teammates.
“He was someone I looked up to,” McMillan said. “Now I get to catch passes from him? The sky’s the limit.”
At 6’4″ and 219 pounds, McMillan brings size and skill. He was a first-team All-American last year with 1,319 receiving yards, averaging nearly 16 yards a catch. Panthers GM Dan Morgan praised his smooth routes, elite hands, and ability to win contested balls.
Carolina already picked up WR Xavier Legette late in the first round last year, but with veteran Adam Thielen turning 35 soon, the team wanted more firepower. McMillan could make an instant impact.
Even though the Panthers had defensive needs, they gave up more points and yards than any team last season, they chose to focus on offense this round, having already spent big on defense in free agency.
McMillan, now the first Arizona receiver ever taken in the first round, summed it up best: “I’m ready to take Carolina to the next level.”
