Carolina Panthers Select Tetairoa McMillan No. 8 2025 NFL Draft

The Carolina Panthers focused on bolstering their wide receiver corps in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Tetairoa McMillan eighth overall, a pick widely praised for fitting well within their offensive scheme under coach Dave Canales. ESPN analysts like Matt Bowen emphasize McMillan's versatility, size, and ability to create matchup advantages, positioning him as a key target for quarterback Bryce Young. McMillan's selection came amid speculation about other prospects, including Jalon Walker and defensive players such as Walter Nolen and Armand Membou, whom the Panthers considered but ultimately passed on to prioritize McMillan's talent and fit. Additionally, rookie Jimmy Horn Jr., a sixth-round pick, is gaining attention as a potential under-the-radar contributor who could inject much-needed explosiveness into a struggling Panthers offense. The Panthers' draft strategy reflected a balance between addressing immediate offensive needs and remaining open to defensive upgrades in later rounds, as evidenced by subsequent picks like Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen. A notable draft-day trade involving the Jacksonville Jaguars indirectly allowed the Panthers to acquire McMillan, who might have otherwise been selected earlier by Jacksonville.