The Panthers have been linked to several defensive prospects regarding their top pick in next month’s draft. The team will look into at least one first-round receiver prospect as well, however. 
Tetairoa McMillan has a top-30 visit lined up with Carolina, Joe Person of The Athletic reports. The Panthers have already drawn connections to South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori and Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams, and selecting either on Day 1 would not come as a surprise given their need to improve on defense. Without having made any receiver additions so far this offseason, though, drafting one could also be in play.
Recent draft classes have featured several high-profile prospects at the WR position. That is not believed to be the case this year, but McMillan represents one of the top options on the board. The Arizona product faced major expectations upon arrival as a five-star recruit, and he delivered by becoming the school’s all-time leading receiver (3,423 career yards in three years). McMillan earned third-team All-American honors in 2023, and he received a first-team nod this past season.
The 6-4, 219-pounder will be expected to operate as a red zone specialist at the NFL level, and his track record of contested catches is strong. Questions related to his deep speed have hurt his draft stock, however, and his range within the first round has been lowered to an extent as a result. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah places McMillan 16th on his latest big board, while ESPN’s Matt Miller slots him in at No. 18.
The Panthers are set to draft eighth overall, meaning a McMillan pick would likely be seen as a slight reach. Carolina ranked just 30th in the NFL in passing yards last season, though, so adding a rookie early in the draft at the receiver position for a second straight year would be feasible. Xavier Legette was selected on Day 1 in 2024, and he and veteran Adam Thielen will be counted on to operate as starters next year.
The latter has given thought to retirement, so a long-term replacement will be needed on the part of the Panthers as early as the upcoming draft. McMillan will be among the prospects to watch closely as Carolina weighs its first-round options.
Has to be a smokescreen .. This guy was mocked in the top 5 all last year and most of this year.. all of a sudden, we are nervous of his “deep” speed and it’s tanking his draft status .. REALLY
I agree. McMillan is a monster. This time between the end of the combine and draft is full of useless information.