Panthers WR Adam Thielen gives his early impression of Tetairoa McMillan: 'He's that guy'
Carolina Panthers wideout Adam Thielen seems to believe that his team's latest first-round pick has the goods.
Thielen recently spoke about fellow receiver and new teammate Tetairoa McMillan, the eighth overall selection of the 2025 NFL draft. And the 34-year-old veteran, per Kassidy Hill of Panthers.com, is already liking what he's seeing from the 22-year-old rookie.
"He's a big long receiver that has phenomenal body control and can make contested catches and can play a lot of different spots," Thielen said, "which in this league, in my opinion, to be a great receiver in this league, you have to be able to play in the slot, you have to be able to play outside, you have to be able to run a lot of different routes and make contested catches.
"So, from the little I've seen, he's that guy. It only benefits everyone else because if he can move around, I can move around, you know, Jalen Coker can move around, Xavier Legette can move around."
McMillan saw plenty of volume at the University of Arizona. The 6-foot-4, 219-pounder, between the 2023 and 2024 campaigns, totaled 174 catches for 2,721 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Thielen has also been the go-to weapon for his offense over the last two seasons. Since coming to Carolina in 2023, the two-time Pro Bowler has led the Panthers in targets (199), receptions (151), receiving yards (1,629) and receiving touchdowns (nine).
But with Thielen entering the final year of his contract, and perhaps the final year of his NFL career, his time as Carolina's No. 1 pass catcher could be coming to an end. And if it is, then at least he may have a worthy successor to pass that torch to.
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