Panthers Earn Praise from NFL Executives for McMillan and Scourton Draft Picks
The Carolina Panthers aren’t often the subject of widespread praise, but they’ve received a considerable amount following their 2025 NFL draft. The team selected eight players, and by all accounts, their draft class looks promising. The standout pick was wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who was chosen with the No. 8 overall pick.
Carolina needed to find a true No. 1 wide receiver to complement quarterback Bryce Young, and McMillan is seen as someone who can step into that role immediately.
An anonymous NFL executive shared with The Athletic‘s Mike Sando that they believe McMillan, out of Arizona, has the potential to be a top-15 receiver in the NFL, adding that the Panthers will have no regrets about their draft choices.
“I think he’s like Tee Higgins,” the exec said. “That’s a higher pick than Tee went, but you’re still getting a top-15 receiver. I don’t think Carolina will regret this class, even though there weren’t a lot of blue-chip players.”
Another executive pointed out that McMillan was essentially the “only big guy” among this year’s wide receiver crop, making him a must-pick for the Panthers.
The same exec also commended Carolina for selecting edge rusher Nic Scourton, describing him as a reliable, well-rounded player who brings a lot of value.
“McMillan was the only big guy, so if you wanted size, you had to take him,” the executive said. “Scourton does everything really well—he’s not dynamic, but he’s a solid player and a real tough guy. You can’t have enough of those players with that kind of mentality.”
It’s uncommon for the Panthers to receive this much praise, given the franchise’s history of missteps. But this draft has added to the positive momentum of what’s been a strong offseason in Carolina.
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