Carolina Panthers Select Tetairoa McMillan 8th Overall in 2025 NFL Draft

The Carolina Panthers selected Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the 8th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, making him the highest-drafted offensive player in Arizona football history and the franchise's first-ever top-10 receiver pick. McMillan had previously established a connection with Panthers quarterback Bryce Young through private workouts, which factored into the team's decision to draft him despite trade offers. His college career was marked by record-setting performances, including 3,423 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns, and he earned multiple All-American honors and the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year award. McMillan will sign a four-year, $27.9 million contract with a fifth-year option. The Panthers’ decision signals both their commitment to bolstering their receiving corps and increased competition for recent first-round pick Xavier Legette, whose underwhelming rookie year now faces added scrutiny. NFL analysts describe McMillan as a possession receiver with notable size and deep-ball skills who could quickly become a key target for Young.