The Carolina Panthers sent one of the first shockwaves through the 2025 NFL draft on Thursday night.
Instead of taking the expected route by using this year’s eighth overall pick on a defender, they swerved and opted for University of Arizona receiver Tetairoa McMillan. While third-year quarterback Bryce Young certainly needed a boost in his wideout room, Carolina’s historically-bad defense from 2024 had folks thinking the front office would’ve invested into a pass rusher or defensive lineman.
So, does a surprise pick equate to a good one? Let’s see what the experts think.
Here are some of the early grades for the Panthers’ selection of McMillan . . .
Nick Baumgardner/Scott Dochterman (The Athletic): B+
Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News): A
Danny Kelly (The Ringer): A+
Dave Kluge (Footballguys): A
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (USA Today): C
Gilberto Manzano/Matt Verderame (Sports Illustrated): A
Pete Prisco (CBS Sports): C
Charles Robinson (Yahoo Sports): B
Geoff Schwartz (FOX Sports): A
Brent Sobleski (Bleacher Report): A
Ian Valentino (The 33rd Team): A
Hayden Winks (Underdog Network): A
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