Panthers Eyeing Tetairoa McMillan with Eighth Overall Pick—But There's a Catch
University of Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, a 2024 consensus All-American, is reportedly in the mix for the Carolina Panthers’ first-round selection—No. 8 overall—in the upcoming NFL Draft, according to Joe Person of The Athletic.
McMillan recently had a top-30 visit lined up with the Panthers, signaling serious interest from the franchise. As one of the top receiving prospects in the 2025 draft class, it’s no surprise he's drawing attention. But there's one thing giving at least one Panthers coach pause.
In a resurfaced clip from a YouTube documentary by stuinthestu, McMillan casually dropped a comment that raised eyebrows across the NFL world—he doesn’t like watching film. Yes, you read that right. One of the most dynamic playmakers in college football openly admitted he's not a fan of breaking down tape.
That revelation has sparked conversation, especially now that he's preparing to make the leap to the pros. Panthers special teams assistant coach Daren Bates even addressed it on a recent episode of his Raw Room podcast, suggesting that McMillan’s approach may not sit well with everyone in NFL coaching circles.
While McMillan’s raw talent, athleticism, and on-field production are unquestionable, his film-study habits could be a sticking point for some teams—especially those looking for a receiver who lives and breathes football 24/7.
Still, the Panthers are clearly doing their homework, and if they’re considering McMillan at No. 8, they may believe that his upside outweighs the concern. After all, some players learn and perform differently—and McMillan’s college resume speaks volumes.
Whether the Panthers ultimately pull the trigger on draft night remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure: McMillan is one of the most talked-about prospects in the class—and for more than just his stats.
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