Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is making waves in the NFL, and it might be time to drop the "rising" from his "Rising Star" label. In a league where rookies are often thrust into high-pressure roles, McMillan has already begun to distinguish himself as a potential standout.
McMillan's debut season was nothing short of remarkable. He set a franchise record for receiving yards as a rookie and led the entire 2025 draft class of wide receivers in targets, receptions, yards, receiving touchdowns, first downs, and PFF grade.
Among all NFL receivers, he ranked no lower than 25th in these categories. Such impressive stats earned him the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, a feat only previously achieved by Cam Newton in Panthers history.
While McMillan's production and efficiency are undeniable-he's one of just ten receivers in the past six years to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in their rookie season-there are areas for improvement. Consistency is key, and McMillan's seven dropped passes, tying him for the 9th most in the league, are a concern.
Even more pressing is the fact that six of his targets resulted in interceptions, ranking 5th in the NFL. The Panthers lost five of those six games, highlighting the impact of those turnovers.
Despite these challenges, McMillan's blend of size, speed, and fluidity makes him a versatile threat on the field. He has the potential to line up anywhere and perform like a top-tier receiver in the NFL.
As his career progresses, McMillan's development will be fascinating to watch. The sky truly is the limit for this young talent.