The Carolina Panthers enter the 2025 offseason with a few Main work do in defense. But on the other side of the ball, there may still be something to clarify.
Now, especially after this emerging campaign With second-year quarterback Bryce Young, the front office could look to add a true No. 1 wide receiver. Even with promising freshmen Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker in tow, the offense still lacks a game-changing playmaker who can be a lethal threat from all areas of the court.
One option for Carolina could emerge through the draft – University of Arizona standout Tetairoa McMillan. A finalist for the Winner of the Biletnikoff Award, McMillan was one of the most productive wide receivers in college football, with 3,423 receiving yards and 26 total touchdowns in his three-year career.
So let's take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the consensus All-American before his jump to the pros. . .
Strengthen
There aren't many wide receivers in the NFL or all of football who can move as well as the 6-foot-1, 200-pound McMillan. His agility and close-range quickness make him an entertaining player in run-after-catch situations, where he can force an extra move or two on a defender to create space and distance.
McMillan is not a one-trick pony. He is a versatile player capable of playing as X, Z or Y in any offense and is sometimes used in the screen game due to his athleticism.
Like any receiver his size, McMillan has excellent ball skills – and it helps that he rarely drops passes due to his excellent hand-eye coordination and ball tracking ability. These skills, aided by his large wingspan, have resulted in some impressive catches.
While he's not an elite route runner, Tetairoa will use his physicality to provide separation at the top of his shaft. He also uses his above-average speed and stride to create separation on vertical planes. Arizona utilized a diverse route tree – making McMillan a system-diverse player in this regard.
Weaken
Despite his frame, size and skill level, McMillan still has room for growth – particularly in the areas of the line of scrimmage and route running.
McMillan needs to improve its release packages locally. He can be blocked early, especially when playing high from his stance.
Additionally, despite his movement skills and fluidity, he could be much more deceptive and creative as a route runner. There are times when opposing defensive backs cover him due to rounded cuts and lack of hesitation moves.
The verdict
McMillan needs to hone his route running skills and release packages. But that shouldn't stop him from being a Day 1 starter in the NFL.
This is a height-weight-speed receiver with outstanding ball skills, catch radius, size and fluidity. His build and general ball skills make him an excellent playmaker. It helps that McMillan is diverse in his route tree and can line up from any wide receiver spot.
If the Panthers had the opportunity to sign him early in this year's draft, McMillan promises to be an impactful starter early in his career while giving the team a serviceable downfield pass-catcher and a diverse player.
