As the NFL Draft approaches, Carolina Panthers fans are eagerly wondering who their team will select with the No. 1 overall pick. ESPN analyst Field Yates recently weighed in with his thoughts, offering a perspective that could shape the Panthers’ future in the 2025 season. With a promising young quarterback in Bryce Young, the Panthers are focused on adding the right pieces to complement his growth. Here’s what Yates believes the team should prioritize.
Yates emphasized Carolina’s ongoing need for more playmakers on offense. Despite having veteran Adam Thielen on the roster, Yates noted that he’s not part of the long-term solution for the team. “They need more difference makers,” Yates said. The Panthers have a promising QB in Young, but a lack of standout pass-catchers could limit his potential. While they have some young talent, including Xavier Lagette, and Jalen Coker, Yates believes Carolina still requires a top-tier receiver to take the offense to the next level.
While Carolina has invested in its offensive line and defensive front, Yates pointed to another glaring need at tight end. He acknowledged that J.T. Sanders, a fourth-round pick last year, showed promise but still isn’t quite there yet. The Panthers need to find a dynamic tight end who can be a real threat in the passing game to help Bryce Young succeed in year two.
Yates made a bold prediction for Carolina’s first pick: Tetairoa McMillan, the standout wide receiver from Arizona. With his size (6’4”, 219 pounds) and incredible ability to make contested catches, McMillan would bring a much-needed physical presence to Carolina’s receiving corps. Yates highlighted his back-to-back 1,300-yard seasons and believes that McMillan could be a “starting wide receiver” right away.
In conclusion, it’s clear the Panthers need a difference-maker to give Bryce Young the weapons he needs to thrive. If Carolina pulls the trigger on McMillan, it could pay huge dividends for their offensive future. Stay tuned for the 2025 NFL Draft, where the Panthers may just find their game-changer.
