Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is selected by the Carolina Panthers as the number eight pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

NFL analyst names Panthers rookie who will be difference-maker right away

Originally posted on Carolina Panthers on SI
By Zach Roberts | Last updated May 26, 2025 2:00 PM ET

The Carolina Panthers are probably going to lean on their rookie class more than most. They had so many holes to address in the offseason, and they spent all of their draft picks addressing them. With only a few exceptions, all rookies have a pretty easy path to playing time this season.

Which one will be the most impactful right away? One NFL analyst has his pick, and spoiler alert: it's exactly who you think. Tetairoa McMillan was picked first to be the most impactful, and Yardbarker's Seth Trachtman believes he will be.

"Carolina has now used a first-round pick on a wide receiver in consecutive years," Trachtman said. "McMillan has exemplary deep-ball skills, averaging 16.1 yards per catch at Arizona, and gives Bryce Young another notable weapon with Mike Evans-like upside."

Given Carolina's depth at wide receiver, it might be tempting to go with someone else, namely either Nic Scourton or Princely Umanmielen. One or both of them might end up starting this year, and they're likely to be the most-used edge rushers on defense. Still, McMillan is likely to eventually become WR1 and will be Bryce Young's top target more likely than not.

The Panthers ignored trade requests and passed on Jalon Walker, the most popular pick in mock drafts, to get McMillan, so they're more than likely going to make good on their selection and give him the ball plenty.

This article first appeared on Carolina Panthers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: