Tetairoa McMillan shines as a bright spot in the Carolina Panthers’ passing game

The Carolina Panthers passing game has struggled this season, ranking 27th in the NFL with just 185 yards per game. That underwhelming production has led to questions about Bryce Young’s future and whether the team needs to rethink its quarterback strategy. Yet despite the team’s struggles, one bright spot stands out: Tetairoa McMillan, one of the most promising young wide receivers in the NFL.

Carolina selected McMillan with the eighth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a move that drew heavy criticism at the time. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. gave the Panthers a C+ for their draft, while The Ringer’s Todd McShay had McMillan ranked only as the 50th-best player in the draft. Many analysts considered the pick a reach, questioning whether McMillan could make an immediate impact at the NFL level.

McMillan has silenced the critics. He currently leads all NFL rookies in both receptions and receiving yards and is on pace to challenge franchise rookie records. He also leads the Panthers in receiving with 56 catches for 783 yards, 497 more than the team’s next-leading receiver, and has already scored five touchdowns.

Strengths and areas for improvement

Several traits have made McMillan a dominant force in his rookie season and a favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year. His big-play ability is a key factor. He has 21 explosive plays, ranking fourth in the NFL. That is particularly impressive given Carolina’s lack of a deep passing game. The team averages only 6.4 yards per attempt, 26th in the league.

McMillan is also a nightmare for defenders after the catch. He has gained 215 yards after catching passes, despite often having to adjust mid-air to secure difficult throws. That skill traces back to his college career at Arizona, where he forced 29 missed tackles in his final season. At 6-foot-5, he is unusually agile, combining size with quickness and the ability to change direction sharply, which helps him create separation on routes.

There are still areas for improvement. McMillan’s ability to secure routine catches needs work. He has five drops this season, the 10th-highest mark in the NFL, and this was also a concern in college. He also needs to be more physical at the catch point to come away with contested grabs. He has converted only five of 17 attempts in tight coverage this season, according to PFF.

NFL outlook

Looking ahead, McMillan is poised to continue producing at a high level even with one of the league’s weaker quarterbacks. If Carolina adds a veteran quarterback in free agency or via trade, McMillan could solidify himself as a true number-one receiver in the NFL, showing that the Panthers’ investment in him was worth every bit of the criticism.