While this series is titled Rising Stars, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has a strong argument to remove the word ‘rising’, because he already might be a star. It’s hefty praise to heap onto a rookie, but in the era of the NFL where first year players are thrown into the starting line-up in the league’s most important roles, those who immediately stand out among them are set to become the next generation of stars.
And boy, did McMillan stand out. While setting a franchise record for receiving yards for a rookie wide receiver, he also led the entire 2025 draft class of wide receivers in each of the following categories:
- Targets
- Receptions
- Yards
- Receiving Touchdowns
- First downs
- PFF Grade
Among all NFL receivers, McMillan was ranked no lower than 25th in the above categories. Marks good enough to earn the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, an award only won by one other rookie in Panther’s history: Cam Newton.
There are some aspects to McMillan’s game that need refining, however. There’s no questioning McMillan’s production or his overall efficiency – after all, McMillan is one of only 10 receivers in the last 6 years to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in their rookie season. Unfortunately, there was an element of inconsistency that likely cost McMillan, and the Panthers as a whole, a lot of hidden yardage.
According to PFF, McMillan was charged with 7 dropped passes which is tied for 9th most in the NFL. While drops can kill momentum on a drive, the more concerning stat to watch going forward is the number of interceptions allowed when McMillan was the targeted receiver. 6 of McMillan’s targets ended up in a defender’s hands. There was never more than 1 interception per game, but that number was still the 5th most in the NFL and the Panthers lost 5 of those 6 games in which they occurred.
Regardless, McMillan’s unique combination of size, speed and fluidity have made him a threat to line-up at any receiver position on the field and produce like a number one wide receiver in an NFL offense. The sky is the limit for young McMillan, and we’ll continue to watch his career with great interest.