Panthers OC Brad Idzik is asked about what WR Tetairoa McMillan adds to the unit

When you're a 6-foot-4, 219-pound receiver, you're already establishing quite a presence on an NFL offense. But when you're a 6-foot-4, 219-pound receiver who might be able to do it all, you're on an entirely different level.

Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik spoke with reporters before the second outing of team organized activities on Wednesday. He was asked what he thinks Tetairoa McMillan, the team's first-round pick from the 2025 NFL draft, can bring to the unit.

"TMac, he does a phenomenal job of being friendly to the quarterback in every route he runs," Idzik replied. "You talk about shaving the top of routes on in-breaks to out-breaks and being a hands catcher, he does a great job in that right. And I think he's just another element to this group of guys, that when they're playing confident, you have to take advantage of defenses that are not pushing coverage towards one individual or the other.

"So, I think that's what we're most excited about. He's a true pass catcher. He's got the whole route tree under his belt that he can run and we're just trying to keep him up to speed with the rest of the guys as we push the envelope on how much they can handle."

McMillan handled quite a bit over his three collegiate seasons. The University of Arizona standout amassed 213 receptions for 3,423 yards and 26 touchdowns between 2022 and 2024—a run that yielded a consensus All-American selection (2024), a first-team All-Big 12 nod (2024) and a second-team All-Big 12 nod.

That monstrous production included a whopping clip of 16.1 yards per catch. McMillan's big-play prowess should come as a breath of fresh air for the Panthers, who averaged the third-fewest passing yards per attempt (6.2) in 2024.

In addition to the well-rounded McMillan, opposing defenses will have to account for 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette and two-time Pro Bowler (and ageless wonder) Adam Thielen. Idzik and head coach Dave Canales could also break out a few wildcards at the position in Jalen Coker and 2025 sixth-round pick Jimmy Horn Jr.

So, for the first time in a long time, Carolina might be difficult to deal with through the air—thanks, in part, to a certain 6-foot-4, 219-pounder.