As the Panthers prepare for the 2025 season, there’s a sense of cautious optimism. While they’re still rebuilding, the pieces are starting to come together
Bryce Young has a clearer path to success, and the receiving corps now includes a mix of veterans and dynamic young playmakers.
Tetairoa McMillan may be the newest face in the room, but he’s already being viewed as a central piece of the Panthers’ future.
If his connection with Bryce Young clicks and his chemistry with fellow receivers develops as expected, Carolina fans could soon see one of the most exciting young offenses in the NFL.
When Luke Kuechly speaks, Panthers fans listen. His comments about Tetairoa McMillan weren’t laced with exaggeration or unwarranted hype. They were thoughtful, strategic, and rooted in football logic.
McMillan has the physical traits, collegiate resume, and mental toughness to thrive in the NFL. But more importantly, he’s stepping into a team that finally feels aligned with its quarterback’s development. That, more than anything, gives this draft pick meaning.
Kuechly’s endorsement is the exclamation point on what could be a transformative draft for the Carolina Panthers.
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Table of Contents
Who Is Tetairoa McMillan?
Tetairoa McMillan, often referred to as “T-Mac,” played three standout seasons for the Arizona Wildcats, finishing with 3,423 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns.1
Known for his strong hands, crisp route running, and ability to make contested catches, McMillan became one of the most reliable targets in the Pac-12.
At 6’5″, McMillan brings size and physicality to the Panthers’ offense, giving Bryce Young a big target who can operate both on the outside and in the red zone.
His college tape is filled with jaw-dropping receptions and game-changing plays, making him a fan favorite and a top prospect entering the NFL.
A New Era Begins in Carolina
The Carolina Panthers made a bold move to strengthen their offensive unit by selecting wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
With franchise quarterback Bryce Young entering a crucial developmental stage, the Panthers front office and new head coach David Canales are clearly focused on giving him the tools necessary to thrive.
The addition of McMillan signals a commitment to providing Young with top-tier receiving talent.
Carolina’s receiving corps is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in the league, featuring a blend of veteran presence, recent draft picks, and now, a blue-chip rookie prospect with sky-high potential.
A Crowded But Promising Wide Receiver Room
With the addition of McMillan, the Panthers’ wide receiver depth chart now features an intriguing mix of skill sets.
Veteran Adam Thielen, known for his precise routes and leadership, remains a steady presence.
Hunter Renfrow, a free agent signing this offseason, brings experience and elusiveness in the slot. Meanwhile, Xavier Legette, last year’s first-round pick, continues to grow into his role.
Each of these receivers offers something different. Thielen brings reliability, Renfrow adds a quick-twitch slot threat, Legette offers explosive athleticism, and now McMillan provides height and physical dominance.
If Canales can manage the snaps and scheme creatively, this could become one of the league’s more balanced receiver units.
David Canales Sets the Tone
Head coach David Canales, who previously served as an offensive coordinator in Seattle and Tampa Bay, is known for his ability to develop young quarterbacks and craft creative offensive schemes.
His arrival in Carolina marks a fresh start for a team that struggled offensively in 2024. Canales’ success depends heavily on maximizing Bryce Young’s abilities, and that starts with surrounding him with dependable playmakers.
By targeting McMillan in the first round, Canales and the Panthers are signaling that they want to become more dynamic through the air. McMillan is not just an insurance policy — he’s expected to become a key figure in the offense from Day 1.
Tetairoa McMillan: Legette’s Honest Approach to Team Chemistry
During an interview at the Kentucky Derby, Xavier Legette revealed he had not yet reached out to McMillan.2
This may have raised eyebrows at first, but his explanation was refreshingly candid.
Speaking on the Up and Adams show with host Kay Adams, Legette said:
“You see man, I didn’t want to text him yet. I want to talk to him when he come in and build that relationship with him once he get in there.”
Rather than making a rushed connection via text or social media, Legette wants to form an in-person bond with McMillan.
In a digital era where first interactions are often screen-based, Legette’s approach emphasizes real human connection and camaraderie — something that could benefit the team’s long-term chemistry.
Respect from a Rising Star
Despite the delayed introduction, Legette had nothing but praise for his new teammate. He complimented McMillan’s skills, saying he was impressed by the incredible catches McMillan made during his time at Arizona.
Legette’s admiration for McMillan suggests there’s mutual respect between the two — a strong foundation for a productive partnership on the field.
As someone who experienced the pressures of being a rookie receiver just a season ago, Legette understands what McMillan is about to go through.
His support, once that personal connection is made, could be instrumental in helping McMillan adjust to life in the NFL.
Keep Pounding! Carolina, are y’all ready? It’s time to get to work @Panthers #NFLDraft
Where will you be watching the home opener? 👀
Check out my 1st Panini Instant Rookie card @PaniniAmerica! #RatedRookie pic.twitter.com/h5aTp1gU4D
— Tetairoa McMillan (@TMAC96795) April 25, 2025
Comparing Collegiate Careers
- McMillan’s college stats are undeniably impressive. He posted 3,423 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns in just three seasons, showcasing consistency and explosiveness.
- His ability to dominate against top-tier Pac-12 defenders made him one of the most talked-about wideouts in the 2025 draft class.
- Legette, on the other hand, played five seasons at South Carolina, developing steadily before breaking out in his final year.
- In his rookie season with the Panthers, he played all 16 games, racking up 497 yards and four touchdowns.
- Though his numbers were modest, Legette flashed potential, especially in contested catch situations and on deep balls.
- With both receivers now in Carolina, the team has two high-upside talents on rookie contracts, giving them flexibility and firepower for the future.
Tetairoa McMillan: The Bryce Young Factor
All of this revolves around Bryce Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick. After an up-and-down start to his NFL career, Young is in desperate need of stability and support.3
The Panthers believe that by enhancing his supporting cast — through new coaching and better receivers — they can accelerate his development.
Young’s natural accuracy and poise in the pocket align well with McMillan’s strengths as a receiver.
McMillan’s large catch radius and ability to adjust to off-target throws make him an ideal partner for a young quarterback still learning the nuances of NFL timing and pressure.
Offensive Identity Under Construction
David Canales has already begun shaping an offense that plays to Bryce Young’s strengths. Expect to see plenty of short-to-intermediate throws, play action, and designed rollouts that get Young out of the pocket.
With McMillan’s ability to stretch the field vertically and work the sidelines, he could quickly become a focal point in the new offensive scheme.
While it remains to be seen how quickly McMillan adapts to the NFL, his skill set fits nicely with what Canales and Young are trying to build. The Panthers may still be a work in progress, but the vision is starting to take shape.
Building Bonds Off the Field
While most of the attention will be on the field, what happens in the locker room could be equally important.
With players like Adam Thielen setting the tone as a veteran leader, and young talents like Legette and McMillan bringing energy and hunger, the Panthers’ receiver room has the potential to develop real chemistry.
Legette’s preference to connect in person rather than virtually might seem minor, but these kinds of gestures matter.
Team culture is built on trust, communication, and relationships — things that can’t always be forged over text messages.
Expectations and Pressure
With a high draft pick comes high expectations. McMillan will be expected to contribute immediately, and fans will be watching closely to see if he can live up to the hype.
Fortunately, he won’t have to do it all on his own. The Panthers’ diverse receiver group and improved coaching situation give him a better chance at early success than many rookies typically get.
Meanwhile, Legette will also be under pressure to make a second-year leap. With more weapons around him, he may find more single coverage opportunities and fewer double teams.
Both players have something to prove, and that internal competition could drive them to greater heights.
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Tetairoa McMillan: Drafting for Need, Not Flash
The Panthers have faced offensive inconsistency for the past couple of seasons. One of the glaring issues was the lack of a consistent and dangerous receiving corps.
While Jonathan Mingo and Diontae Johnson were serviceable, they failed to provide Bryce Young with the kind of stability and explosiveness needed to thrive.
Enter Tetairoa McMillan, a wide receiver out of Arizona, who brings size, vertical ability, and reliable hands to the roster. Standing at 6-foot-5, McMillan is the kind of red-zone threat that can change the dynamic of any offense.
His addition wasn’t a luxury pick—it was a calculated move meant to address a long-standing weakness.
Big Bodies, Bigger Potential
In his analysis, Kuechly emphasized one theme: size. The Panthers aren’t just adding receivers—they’re adding big-bodied playmakers.
With Xavier Legette (6’3″), Adam Thielen (6’2″), and now McMillan, Young has targets who can win contested balls, box out defenders, and dominate in tight windows.
This approach marks a shift in strategy. The Panthers are no longer relying on speedsters or slot-type receivers.
Instead, they are doubling down on size, physicality, and possession-style football. This gives Young multiple bailout options in the pocket and drastically enhances red-zone efficiency.
The Red Zone Resurgence
The Panthers struggled in the red zone last season, converting just 49% of red-zone trips into touchdowns, placing them among the bottom third of the NFL.
McMillan directly addresses this issue. His frame, route-running, and ability to high-point the football make him an instant weapon inside the 20-yard line.
Kuechly understands the value of red-zone scoring and pointed out how McMillan’s skill set can tilt the field. Defenses will now be forced to commit more resources to cover these tall receivers, opening up lanes for the running game and freeing up other pass catchers underneath.
Tetairoa McMillan: Veteran Wisdom Meets Young Talent
Kuechly also praised the leadership of Adam Thielen, who remains a mentor for young receivers like McMillan and Legette.
Having a seasoned veteran in the room accelerates development, improves route discipline, and creates a culture of accountability.
This blend of experience and youth is a recipe for long-term success. McMillan doesn’t need to be a savior from Day 1—he just needs to grow into his role, learning from those who have walked the path before him.
That’s something Kuechly deeply values, having once been the young leader mentored by Panthers legends before him.
Pressure Is a Privilege
While fans may see pressure mounting on Bryce Young, Kuechly views it differently. He believes that the team is finally equipping Young to rise to the occasion.
The narrative is no longer about what Young lacks—it’s about what he can now do with the weapons around him.
And for McMillan, the same holds true. As a high draft pick expected to contribute early, he’ll face scrutiny. But Kuechly sees that as a privilege. “You want to be on a team that expects big things from you.
That’s how you grow,” he said. And with the Panthers putting their faith in him, McMillan has every opportunity to live up to the expectations.
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A Cultural Shift in Carolina
The drafting of McMillan symbolizes more than just roster building—it reflects a cultural shift within the Panthers organization.
The front office is finally taking a holistic approach to team construction: building around the quarterback, investing in youth, and emphasizing physical traits that translate on Sundays.
Kuechly’s endorsement of the pick isn’t just a compliment to McMillan—it’s a nod to the organization finally getting it right. And coming from someone who defined excellence in Carolina, that sentiment carries real weight.
Eyes on the NFC South
With the NFC South wide open, the Panthers’ strategic moves this offseason could be enough to make noise in the division.
The Buccaneers are in transition, the Falcons are retooling, and the Saints remain inconsistent. That leaves the door ajar for a young, motivated team with a quarterback-friendly offense.
McMillan could be a major X-factor. If he acclimates quickly and forms chemistry with Bryce Young, the Panthers could surprise many in 2025. Kuechly believes this isn’t just a rebuild—it’s a reawakening.
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