Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan, Broncos WR Pat Bryant headline list of standout rookies from Week 11 

Adjusting to the NFL can be difficult for rookies, but each season, a few stand out almost immediately. Here are five who stood out in Week 11: 

Carolina Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan (first round) 

McMillan (pick No. 8) played a key part in Bryce Young's career day against the Atlanta Falcons, which should quiet critics of the Panthers QB for the time being.  

During Carolina's 30-27 overtime win on the road, the former Arizona star had season highs in receptions (eight), receiving yards (130) and touchdown catches (two). Young, meanwhile, completed 31-of-45 passes for a career-high 448 yards and three TDs.  

"I know Bryce and just our whole offense was getting a lot of backlash in the past week about the passing yards," McMillan said postgame. "Everybody in the locker room knew it was going to happen, knew that we had it in our bag, specifically Bryce. We turned the tape on them and went out and balled, for sure."

Before Week 11, Carolina (6-5) was averaging 180.7 passing yards per game, well below the league average (via StatMuse). However, McMillan — who ranks sixth in the league in receiving yards (748) — is emerging as a star. That should help the unit continue to improve and keep him in the Offensive Rookie of the Year race. 

Denver Broncos WR Pat Bryant (third round) 

Following a Week 8 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, Broncos head coach Sean Payton said Bryant would be a "vital piece" in the team's playoff push. That proved true in Denver's statement win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11.

In the Broncos' 22-19 victory over the Chiefs at home, the former Illinois star had five receptions for a season-high 82 yards. This included a 48-yard grab on a deep shot from second-year QB Bo Nix late in the third quarter. 

After failing to eclipse 22 receiving yards in his first seven games, Bryant is assuming a bigger role in the offense. Over his past four games, he has averaged 46.3 receiving yards per game. 

Getting Bryant more involved in the passing game could be imperative for the 9-2 Broncos, who are in a position to win the AFC West for the first time since the 2015 season. 

Cleveland Browns LB Carson Schwesinger (second round)

It was just another day at the office for Schwesinger in Cleveland's 23-16 home loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The former UCLA star had 11 tackles and intercepted Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, a two-time league MVP. Through 10 games, the 33rd pick of the 2025 NFL Draft ranks 15th in the league in tackles (85).