Carolina Panthers select Tetairoa McMillan in 1st round of 2025 NFL Draft

The Carolina Panthers have selected former Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. McMillan was regarded as one of the top WRs at the collegiate level last season and is officially set to make the jump to the professional level after his selection.

McMillan spent three seasons with the Wildcats. There, he would amass 3,423 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns for the Wildcats. He recorded at least 1,300 receiving yards in each of the last two seasons.

He recorded his most production during the 2023 season, where McMillan finished with 1,402 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns across 90 receptions. His numbers were slightly down as a junior, but was incredibly impactful with 84 receptions for 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns to his credit.

McMillan was also able to insert himself into the Arizona lineup early and often during his true freshman season. The 6 foot 5, 212-pounder from Waimanalo, HI finished his first year of college football with 38 receptions for 702 yards and eight touchdowns. He recorded a whopping 18.0 yards per catch that season, firmly cementing himself as the team’s go-to wide receiver over the next two seasons.

Before arriving on campus at Arizona, McMillan was rated as a four-star recruit, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, which is a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services. He was the No. 41 overall player in his class, as well as the No. 5 wide receiver that cycle.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Tetairoa McMillan

Now that McMillan has been drafted, fans may be wondering what to expect from their new wideout. NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein provided his analysis of the dynamic wide receiver from Arizona.

Lance Zierlein: Possession receiver with the size and ball skills to create big wins deep. He’s a linear route-runner who wears press coverage early and coasts too often on deep routes, but he has a feel for uncovering underneath and can play over the top of cornerbacks for easier jump-ball wins.

“McMillan is instinctive with a feel for adjusting his routes and working back on throws to make the quarterback’s job easier. He needs to show more consistent play speed and physicality to protect his workspace. His elite ball skills set him apart, though, providing a higher floor as a “Z” option with mismatch value in the slot.”