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The highlights that make Tetairoa McMillan an intriguing NFL prospect (1:26)
Check out highlights from Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan as he heads to the Carolina Panthers. (1:26)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The 2025 NFL draft (ESPN, ABC, ESPN App) is underway in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the Carolina Panthers kicked things off with Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan, the No. 8 pick of Round 1.
Here is a breakdown of each Panthers pick:
Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart
Round 1, No. 8: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
My take: Using the eighth pick on another weapon for quarterback Bryce Young instead of improving the NFL’s last-place 2024 defense shows the Panthers didn’t have a player on their board outside of Michigan DT Mason Graham (No. 5 to Browns) who they felt would make an immediate impact. It also shows they believe the defensive additions in free agency were solid enough to allow them to stick to their board and take their highest-rated remaining player. It also suggests they aren’t convinced 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette can be a true No. 1 receiver.
Will he start as a rookie? You don’t take a receiver at No. 8 with so many defensive needs unless you believe McMillan will make an immediate impact. Young, according to coach Dave Canales, already is excited about the pick. Perhaps that’s because Legette was so inconsistent last season. Look for McMillan to step right into the starting lineup alongside veteran Adam Thielen, while Legette aims to earn the right to join them. Rookie receivers sometimes struggle, but McMillan’s size (6-foot-4, 219 pounds) and speed (4.48 40-yar dash) make him a possession receiver who can grow in this offense.
Key Stat: McMillan had 174 catches for 2,721 yards and 18 touchdowns the past two seasons, so his production has been impressive. He may be a bit rough in route running, but he’ll give Young a big, fast target in the red zone that was missing the past two seasons outside of Thielen, who is 34. When Graham went off the board to Cleveland, McMillan’s production ranked ahead of what Carolina felt it could get in defensive players on the board.
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Round 2, No. 51: Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M
My take: The Panthers had to get an edge rusher in the second round after passing on one in the first round, particularly with Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum entering the last year of their respective contracts, and Clowney’s future with the team in doubt (see below). So it’s no surprise they traded with Denver to go from 57 to 51 to get one, as the options were dwindling. Scourton has the physical aspects to be a three-down player and is disruptive at rushing quarterbacks. He’s not stellar against the run, so that’s an issue. But he fits a lot attributes Carolina wants in a 3-4 OLB and they don’t need him to start, so he can learn as a rookie.
Key stat for this player: 285 pounds. That’s what Scourton weighed after the season, but he spent the offseason working his weight down to 257. He said he is stronger, faster and quicker. He also feels better, having changed his diet as well. He doesn’t believe the weight during the season had anything to do with a drop in sack production. He said that had a lot to do with the system. But he does believe losing the weight has prepared him better for the NFL.
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Round 3, No. 77: Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Mississippi
My take: Clowney is 32 and may be on the way out. Taking two edge rushers on Day 2 gives the Panthers six on the depth chart. When general manager Dan Morgan was asked Friday if the plan was to keep Clowney, he simply said the roster is being evaluated. Not an endorsement for an aging former Pro Bowl player who had only 5.5 sacks in 2024 and has a $13.775 million cap hit in 2025. Morgan wants to build a young, aggressive defense and this may signal a changing of the guard.
Will he start as a rookie? All bets are off as to whether the Panthers will have Umanmielen and Scourton use 2025 as a developmental year or play right away. But Morgan said he never expected to get both edge rushers and didn’t rule out that the pair could be ready to start. The future of this team’s defense may now be in the hands of these young, high-drafted players.
What’s next: The Panthers still need a safety and depth at corner. They have five picks left, and the could well find a good safety in Round 4. It wouldn’t be a surprise if they selected a project at offensive tackle as well.
Remaining picks
Round 4: No. 111
Round 4: No. 114 (from Cowboys)
Round 5: No. 140 (from Giants)
Round 5: No. 146
Round 5: No. 163 (from Ravens)
Round 7: No. 230 (from Cardinals)
