Performance Evaluation: Grading Tetairoa McMillan’s Impact in Friday’s Game

Performance Evaluation: Grading Tetairoa McMillan’s Impact in Friday’s Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

In Friday’s preseason opener in Charlotte, the Carolina Panthers fell to the Cleveland Browns, 30-10. While much of the national spotlight centered on Cleveland’s quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who made his highly anticipated NFL debut, the Panthers found their own reason for optimism in rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Despite the lopsided scoreline, McMillan’s performance offered a promising glimpse into what the team hopes will be a long and productive career in Carolina.

Selected with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, McMillan entered the preseason with high expectations. He got the start and played the entire first half, logging all of his production in the opening quarter with starting quarterback Bryce Young under center. On Carolina’s second drive, the two connected for one of the most memorable plays of the night—a 30-yard sideline throw that immediately energized the Panthers’ offense. McMillan, using his 6-foot-5 frame and excellent body control, elevated over his defender to secure the contested catch—his first in NFL action.

“That’s what we’re counting on. That’s why he’s here,” head coach Dave Canales said following the game. “Stretch the field, play big, and that was a sign of good things.”

McMillan wasn’t done there. Later in the same drive, he added a 13-yard reception to move the chains, showing his ability to contribute in both explosive and possession-style scenarios. The drive ultimately ended with a touchdown—though not before McMillan had a chance to add one himself. On a quick pass from Young in the red zone, McMillan was unable to secure what looked to be a catchable ball for a score. It was a missed opportunity, but not one that overshadowed the rookie’s otherwise impressive showing.

“I just saw a perfectly-placed ball,” McMillan told NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe after the game. “You know, I just got to go out there and make plays when the plays come to me. At the end of the day, my job is to catch the ball. If it touches my hands, I got to come down with it.”

Bryce Young, entering his third season and looking more comfortable in the offense, was quick to praise the rookie. “I have a ton of trust and confidence in him,” Young said. “It was a great catch. It’s a lot harder than I’m sure it looked. I have all the confidence in the world in him.”

McMillan’s final two targets came from veteran Andy Dalton in the second quarter, both resulting in incompletions. Still, the early chemistry between McMillan and Young stood out as one of the more encouraging developments for Carolina in an otherwise tough night.

Success for the Panthers in 2025 and beyond may very well hinge on the development of this connection. While it’s too early to draw major conclusions from a single preseason outing, McMillan’s debut delivered exactly what fans and coaches hoped to see—flashes of elite potential.

“I definitely feel like it’s headed in the right direction,” McMillan said. “I told Bryce, ‘Don’t worry—I’m gonna try and make your job easier.’”

One preseason catch won’t make a career, but in Carolina, it might have just started something worth watching.

Final Grade: B-

Positives:

• Impressive 30-yard contested catch on the sideline.
  
• Smooth route-running and body control.
  
• Early chemistry with Bryce Young.
  
• Handled the moment well for a high-profile rookie.
  

Negatives:

• Dropped a potential touchdown in the red zone.
  
• No receptions after the first quarter.
  
• Small sample size, limited to a few targets.
  

Verdict:

McMillan’s debut wasn’t perfect, but it was filled with encouraging signs. The ability to win on the outside, create separation, and contribute immediately shows why the Panthers were confident in making him a top-10 pick. A dropped touchdown slightly tempers the excitement, but overall, his performance earns a solid B-—a strong starting point for a player expected to become a key piece in Carolina’s offensive future.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 10, 2025, where it first appeared.