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With the 2025 NFL Draft in the books, the grades have been coming at a rapid pace. One of the trusted sources in the process is ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. who gave the Carolina Panthers a mediocre C+ for one glaring reason.
"In all four mock drafts I did for this class, I projected Carolina to take Jalon Walker at No. 8. It's never that easy, though, right? The Panthers went a different route, adding receiver Tetairoa McMillan," Kiper wrote.
However, the breakdown of McMillan's game provided some context about the mid-grade rating for Carolina. Kiper believes there will be some growing pains for the former Arizona standout.
"At 6-foot-4, he brings in just about anything thrown in his direction, including contested catches," Kiper added. "Quarterback Bryce Young will throw the ball up to him in the red zone and walk away with a touchdown more often than not. Think Drake London in Atlanta.
"McMillan doesn't generate much separation, though, which could be an issue against NFL corners. It's part of the reason I had him ranked 19th. Even so, there are some good, young receivers in this locker room now with McMillan, Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker. (Carolina also added Jimmy Horn Jr. in the turne sixth round.)"
For what it's worth, Kiper sees taking McMillan as a missed opportunity for the Panthers.
"I'm surprised GM Dan Morgan, a former linebacker, didn't do anything at the second level, but defensive tackle Cam Jackson in Round 5 and safety Lathan Ransom will give defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero some more depth to work with," Kiper said.
Carolina's defense ranked last in the league in 2024 for points allowed per game (31.4), rushing yards allowed per game (179.8), total yards per game (404.5), QBR allowed (64.8), yards per play (6.0), first downs allowed per game (24.5), opponents' third-down conversion percentage (50.2%) and run stop win rate (25%).
Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen will help out tremendously and give the Panthers an instant upgrade. Evero will work his magic with both of the edge rushers for success this season.
Continue reading...
"In all four mock drafts I did for this class, I projected Carolina to take Jalon Walker at No. 8. It's never that easy, though, right? The Panthers went a different route, adding receiver Tetairoa McMillan," Kiper wrote.
However, the breakdown of McMillan's game provided some context about the mid-grade rating for Carolina. Kiper believes there will be some growing pains for the former Arizona standout.
"At 6-foot-4, he brings in just about anything thrown in his direction, including contested catches," Kiper added. "Quarterback Bryce Young will throw the ball up to him in the red zone and walk away with a touchdown more often than not. Think Drake London in Atlanta.
"McMillan doesn't generate much separation, though, which could be an issue against NFL corners. It's part of the reason I had him ranked 19th. Even so, there are some good, young receivers in this locker room now with McMillan, Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker. (Carolina also added Jimmy Horn Jr. in the turne sixth round.)"
For what it's worth, Kiper sees taking McMillan as a missed opportunity for the Panthers.
"I'm surprised GM Dan Morgan, a former linebacker, didn't do anything at the second level, but defensive tackle Cam Jackson in Round 5 and safety Lathan Ransom will give defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero some more depth to work with," Kiper said.
Carolina's defense ranked last in the league in 2024 for points allowed per game (31.4), rushing yards allowed per game (179.8), total yards per game (404.5), QBR allowed (64.8), yards per play (6.0), first downs allowed per game (24.5), opponents' third-down conversion percentage (50.2%) and run stop win rate (25%).
Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen will help out tremendously and give the Panthers an instant upgrade. Evero will work his magic with both of the edge rushers for success this season.
Continue reading...
