Tetairoa McMillan Says Bryce Young Pushed Panthers to Pick WR in 2025 NFL Draft

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young lobbied the team to pick Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan in the 2025 NFL draft.

McMillan told reporters that Young made his preference very clear to Panthers general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales.

"Going into Mr. Morgan's office, going into coach Canales' office and really just sitting on the table for me and telling them, 'Hey, man, we need to pick this guy,'" he said. "Although I feel like I did what I needed to do to be in this position, I give credit to Bryce for vouching for me and ultimately for them taking a chance on me."

McMillan had 3,423 receiving yards and 26 touchdown grabs in three years at Arizona. He was the No. 8 overall player and top-ranked wideout on Bleacher Report's big board.

B/R scout Dame Parson compared the Wildcats star to Tee Higgins and Mike Evans.

"In conclusion, Tetairoa McMillan is a fantastic receiving threat who brings a ton to the table," he wrote. "NFL offensive coordinators will appreciate his versatility and the litany of ways he can win in their offensive structure. He projects as a No. 1 wide receiver who you pepper with a high amount of targets per game."

It's easy to see why Young wanted McMillan so badly and why the organization shared that vision. Adam Thielen, who led the team in receiving yards in 2023 and 2024, will turn 35 in August. Carolina needed a better long-term aerial partner for its franchise quarterback.

The one criticism of their first-round strategy is that the Panthers were last in both yards and points allowed last year. Focusing on defense in the top 10 might've been a smarter call.

Should McMillan's arrival help Young advance in his development, he'll more than validate Carolina's final decision.