Bryce Young will be the Carolina Panthers’ starting quarterback in 2025 after a spectacular comeback in the second half of the recently ended season when all hope appeared dead.
This offseason, it is critical to provide him with more passing options. The Panthers need a real No. 1 wide receiver who can make plays regardless of the coverage he faces. This should help Young go forward when competitive activity resumes.
Fans are hoping for a big trade or to sign someone like Tee Higgins in free agency. That is obviously doubtful, but nothing is absolutely off the table if general manager Dan Morgan makes the most use of the resources at hand.
Going down the draft path appears more likely. Following the trade of Diontae Johnson and Jonathan Mingo before the deadline, the Panthers now have nine selections. There is a need to improve Carolina’s defense, but adding another playmaker or two should be possible.
If Daniel Jeremiah’s first mock draft from NFL.com is any indicator, this could happen sooner than fans believe.
The acclaimed analyst predicted that the Panthers will select Tetairoa McMillan, a prolific pass-catcher. Jeremiah believes that this will quickly become a valuable weapon for Young, particularly on the business end of the field.
“The Panthers continue to build around Bryce Young with [Tetairoa] McMillan, a big, rangy, and athletic receiver.” “He’ll be a red-zone threat.”
Daniel Jeremiah, Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter, and Mason Graham were not on the board. In this case, the Panthers might easily go with McMillan, unless someone like Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker is considered. It’s also worth noting that this is a deep class for defensive lineman, so the issue might be solved later in the draft on Day 2.
McMillan is a true difference-maker. He makes impossible catches look easy. The Arizona prospect is an explosive route runner who excels in contested catch situations. With 1,721 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns from 174 grabs over the last two seasons, he’s a challenge that few in college football have successfully tackled.
McMillan, who is 6-foot-5 and has exceptional athleticism, has a unique perspective. He can spread the field and track the football in the air effectively. He has the position flexibility to play anywhere along the line of scrimmage. This is matched with his exceptional ability to gain yards after the catch and shift direction quickly.
Young would greatly benefit from McMillan’s presence. If 2023 first-round pick Xavier Legette and undrafted free agent Jalen Coker develop as expected by the Panthers, the Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama will have a long-term wideout option.
McMillan may go higher than this. One may also argue that the Panthers have no business acquiring a wide receiver when the defense sorely needs reinforcements. But that perception may change depending on who Morgan attracts to Charlotte in free agency.
Finding the appropriate balance is critical. If the Panthers are confident enough to make what some fans consider a luxury decision in McMillan, Morgan has earned enough trust after a challenging first year in charge.