Tetairoa McMillan Receives Deserved Praise Ahead of 2026 Season

The Carolina Panthers have taken a few shots at wide receivers early in the draft in recent years. Terrace Marshall Jr., Jonathan Mingo, Xavier Legette, Tetairoa McMillan, and Chris Brazzell II have all been added in the first three rounds over the last five years.

Marshall and Mingo didn't work out, and Legette has had a rough go of it so far. Brazzell looks promising as a rookie, but McMillan has been the best success story of that group by a wide margin so far.

In 2025, McMillan played in all 17 games and caught 70 passes for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns. The receiver led the Panthers in every receiving category and already proved capable of being the WR1. McMillan's rookie season is exactly what teams hope for when they draft a receiver in the first round.

It's not just those around the Panthers who are high on McMillan, either. The team at CBS Sports recently gave the second-year receiver some major props ahead of Week 1.

McMillan Receives Honorable Mention in Best Receiver List

CBS Sports' NFL experts recently ranked the top 10 players at each offensive position. For wide receiver, the expected names, like Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Puka Nacua were at the top of the list.

However, just past the No. 10 spot, in the "also receiving votes" section, you'll find McMillan's name. In fact, one voter put McMillan as the No. 7 receiver in the entire league.

To even be mentioned in the top 10 receivers list after just one season is an incredible achievement. McMillan definitely earned the recognition, as he was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year and easily could have been a Pro Bowl selection.

It's already fair to say that McMillan is a WR1. Now, the next question is how good he can get. In 2026, the Arizona product should clearly be the top target in Carolina once again, but if he can reach an All-Pro level, this Carolina offense can ascend to new heights.

Can Anybody Step up Next to McMillan?

The interesting thing to watch now is whether or not anybody can help McMillan out. Jalen Coker has had good moments and looks like a solid complimentary piece, but McMillan is the only gamechanger on the offense.

Can Chris Brazzell II become the next star? Or will Xavier Legette finally live up to his draft status? The tight end position is also a big question mark. If nobody else steps up to command attention, defenses will be able to zero in on McMillan.