Carolina Panthers rave about Tet McMillan after first-round pick: ‘He’s a baller’

When the Carolina Panthers were on the clock at No. 8, they didn’t hesitate. Despite fielding trade calls and facing pressure to shore up a struggling defense, GM Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales were locked in on one name: Tet McMillan. And now, they’re all in.

He Adds a “Different Dimension” to the Offense

Morgan and Canales couldn’t hide their enthusiasm about the 6’4” wideout, praising his rare blend of size, control, and instincts. “He’s somebody that we obviously really liked,” Morgan said. “He adds a different dimension to our offense.” McMillan, who racked up 18 touchdowns over the last two seasons, gives Bryce Young a red-zone target with elite body control and strong hands. “He catches everything outside his frame,” said Canales. “He’s smooth, he’s fluid, and he’s a playmaker.”

They Stuck to the Board—and Got Their Guy

With glaring defensive needs, some fans questioned passing on that side of the ball early. But Morgan emphasized discipline: “We followed our board. We wanted the best player available—and we got him.” Canales added that unless a team “blew us out of the water” with an offer, they weren’t letting McMillan slip past them. The front office was reportedly sweating a bit when Cleveland took Mason Graham at No. 5, but the board fell their way. “We were holding our breath,” said Morgan.

Culture Fit and Craft Matter—And Tet Has Both

Beyond the on-field tools, both men raved about McMillan’s mindset. After a private visit and extensive scouting, they knew he was their kind of player. “He loves to work on his craft,” Canales said. “You could see it in the pro day, the way he reduces his surface at the top of routes—for a 6’4” guy, that’s rare.” They’re building a culture around hungry, high-IQ playmakers, and McMillan checks every box.

The Panthers didn’t just draft a receiver—they found a tone-setter for the next era of their offense. As Canales put it best: “He’s a baller.” Now, all eyes turn to how Tet McMillan helps redefine Carolina’s identity—and elevates Bryce Young’s game.