Tetairoa McMillan Is Living Up to the Hype - and Then Some
When Tetairoa McMillan declared for the NFL Draft, the expectations were sky-high. After all, he left Arizona as the program’s all-time leader in receiving yards, racking up 3,423 yards in just three seasons. Now, as his rookie NFL campaign nears the finish line, McMillan isn’t just meeting those expectations-he’s setting the bar even higher.
The Carolina Panthers’ rookie wideout was named to ESPN’s NFL All-Rookie First Team this week, and it’s not hard to see why. Heading into Week 18, McMillan has 66 catches for 929 yards and seven touchdowns.
He’s been the go-to guy in Carolina’s offense, leading the team in receptions, receiving yards, and total touchdowns. That’s a tall order for any rookie, let alone one operating in a passing game that’s been inconsistent at best.
A Record-Setting Start
McMillan didn’t waste time making his presence felt. In his NFL debut against Jacksonville, he posted five catches for 68 yards, giving Panthers fans a glimpse of what was to come.
But the touchdowns took a little longer. He didn’t find the end zone until Week 6, when he made the most of just two catches-both for scores-in a 30-27 win over Dallas.
That breakout seemed to open the floodgates. After a four-week scoring drought, McMillan caught touchdowns in three straight games, showing off the physicality and catch radius that made him such a tantalizing prospect. His ability to win at all three levels of the field-whether it’s over the middle, on deep routes, or in contested sideline situations-has started to translate against NFL defenses.
Still Room to Grow
As good as McMillan has been, the next step is consistency. He’s had seven games this season with three or fewer receptions-a reminder that even elite talent needs time to fully adjust to the pro game.
But when he’s on, he’s been nearly unguardable. And considering the revolving door at quarterback in Carolina, his production becomes even more impressive.
Quarterback Bryce Young, in his third season, has completed 63.2% of his passes for 2,745 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. McMillan has clearly been his top target, with running back Rico Dowdle trailing far behind in receiving production. Dowdle has 37 catches for 277 yards and one touchdown, underscoring just how much of the passing game has flowed through McMillan.
Chasing History-and Hardware
McMillan is closing in on Carolina’s rookie records. He’s already set the franchise mark for receptions by a rookie and is within striking distance of Kelvin Benjamin’s 2014 totals of 1,008 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. With 71 yards in Week 18, McMillan will hit the 1,000-yard milestone-a benchmark that remains a gold standard for rookie receivers.
And then there’s the Offensive Rookie of the Year race. McMillan currently leads the pack, with sportsbooks listing him as the favorite.
New Orleans quarterback Tyler Shough is his closest competition, but there’s a significant drop-off after that. McMillan’s seven touchdowns lead all rookie wideouts, and he ranks third in receptions, second in targets and yards, and fourth in yards per catch.
That’s a résumé worthy of serious award consideration.
A Building Block for the Future
There’s no question McMillan has been asked to carry a heavy load this season. As a rookie wideout in a rebuilding offense, he’s had to be the guy from Day 1-and he’s delivered. His size, skill set, and polish as a route runner make him a rare breed: a true X receiver who can dominate now and still has room to grow.
For Carolina, the challenge is clear. They’ve found a cornerstone in McMillan.
Now it’s about surrounding him-and Bryce Young-with the kind of supporting cast that can elevate the entire offense. The Panthers are still in the playoff hunt and can clinch a spot with a win or with help from Atlanta.
But regardless of how the season ends, one thing is certain: Tetairoa McMillan is here to stay.
He was a generational player at Arizona. He might just be on his way to becoming the same in Carolina.