PFF suggests Tetairoa McMillan is already a top 20 wide receiver in the NFL

Tetairoa McMillan has, at times, struggled with drops, which is not uncommon for a rookie. But everything else is already a polished skill for McMillan. His routes are crisp, his technique is sound, and he can make the highlight-reel catches.

For all of that, PFF gave him a 76.0 season grade so far, which is not elite like Puka Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (both over 90.0), but it's very solid, ranking 17th in the entire NFL so far. Already, McMillan is one of the best.

"McMillan saw a season-low five targets in Week 6, securing three catches for 29 yards. However, he still put his stamp on the game with two touchdown catches, the first of his career. Both scores came in the red zone with Donovan Wilson in coverage. The first was early in the second quarter after McMillan got by an initial defender and forced Wilson to stumble on his way to a wide-open 19-yard catch," analyst Lauren Gray wrote.

The second career TD came after releasing from Wilson for a short score to give the Panthers a lead late in the fourth quarter. Despite the lack of catches, McMillan made his mark, and even excelled (74.8 grade) in the run-blocking department.

"The top-10 pick is now up to 27 catches for 380 yards this season. He is tied for fifth in red-zone targets (seven) and has brought in five such passes for 38 yards and four first downs. He has earned a 71.1 PFF receiving grade on those plays," Gray added.

17th is nothing to sneeze at, especially when you look at some of the names below McMillan:

• Cooper Kupp
• Courtland Sutton
• Emeka Egbuka
• Davante Adams
• Garrett Wilson
• AJ Brown
• Terry McLaurin
• Nico Collins
• Malik Nabers
• Matthew Golden

Egbuka has been incredible and is a major Rookie of the Year contender, but this suggests McMillan has been better. The Panthers might finally have a legitimate weapon.