The Carolina Panthers improved in a big way on night one of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Panthers selected Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the eighth-overall pick. Many assumed that the Panthers would go defense but instead added one of the best pass catchers on the board.

What can fan expect from McMillan in his first season with Carolina?

Carolina Panthers Potential Depth Chart

QB: Bryce Young

RB: Chuba Hubbard

RB: Rico Dowdle

WR: Tetairoa McMillan

WR: Adam Thielen

WR: Xavier Legette

TE: Tommy Tremble

LT: Ikem Ekwonu

LG: Damien Lewis

C: Austin Corbett

RG: Robert Hunt

RT: Taylor Moton

What Are The Expectations?

The Panthers made one of the top picks in the draft on Thursday night.

It came as a bit of a surprise as many thought Carolina would add to the defense but instead landed a future No. 1 receiver. Bryce Young took big steps forward last season after taking some weeks off on the bench. He improved drastically after hearing his head and now has a young receiver to work with.

McMillan is not just a young receiver. He was among the top pass catchers in college football over the last two years. McMillan is a legitimate threat that can make an impact right away. The Panthers saw Adam Thielen have a resurgence within the offense last year. Now, he will act as the No. 2 with McMillan on the other side.

The Panthers’ offense will be an interesting one to watch next season. Chuba Hubbard signed an extension in the midst of his breakout season in the backfield. The run game flourished and this opened up Young as well. The Panthers added Rico Dowdle this offseason as another weapon in the backfield.

There is no doubt that McMillan will be used in many ways and be featured at the top of many options. Carolina has a chance to score some points next season with its new regime of offensive weapons.