Carolina Panthers have 2 of NFL's top 15 rookies, and one is a pleasant surprise

The Carolina Panthers are essentially a quarter of the way through the 2025 NFL season and the team's first four games have been telling. Already at 1-3, it's highly unlikely that there's a post-season run in the Panthers' immediate future, but the potential exhibited from the rookies shows promise at least for the distant future.

Pro Football Focus has graded every player, and therefore every rookie, so far this season and the latest numbers have two Panthers ranking inside the top 15 through Week 4.

MORE: Panthers PFF grades: Derrick Brown on top, Bryce Young & linebackers bomb

No. 11 TE Mitchell Evans

Mitchell Evans runs the ball while New England Patriots offensive tackle Marcus Bryant gives chase — Sep 28, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Mitchell Evans (84) runs the ball while New England Patriots offensive tackle Marcus Bryant (52) gives chase during the first half at Gillette Stadium. | Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Thanks to his most recent contributions to the Panthers offense, rookie Mitchell Evans ranks 11th among PFF's Top 15 rookies. Though he played sparingly in the first three weeks, Evans had his first multi-catch game on Sunday against the New England Patriots.

His grade of 76.5 incorporates his 72.0 pass-blocking grade and 76.0 receiving grade. Evans now has five catches on six targets for 41 yards and a touchdown. He scored the touchdown in Week 4, recording the team's second TE touchdown of the game. Though he ranks far behind his peers in total snaps at 72 through four games, Evans has the third-best overall grade amongst all tight ends at the moment.

No. 14 WR Tetairoa McMillan

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) runs with the ball against the Cardinals — Sep 14, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) runs with the ball during the first quarter against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (16) at State Farm Stadium. | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers are relying on Tetairoa McMillan as heavily as any team is relying on their rookie first-rounder this year. Though he's missed some opportunities to boost his catch numbers, and therefore his PFF grades, the former Arizona standout ranks No. 14 amongst rookies through Week 4 and was 15th amongst all wide receivers last week.

The biggest reason why McMillan grades so well is because so many of his receptions have given the Panthers a first down. He has 18 catches for 278 yards and a whopping 15 first downs on the season. In the NFL as a whole, he’s tied for first in catches of 20-plus yards (six) with Puka Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

- Enjoy more free Panthers coverage with Carolina Panthers on SI -

Carolina Panthers tumble in power rankings after reality check loss

Studs & duds for the Panthers’ humiliating Week 4 loss to the Patriots

Bryce Young’s opening drive numbers point to big Panthers problem

Panthers insider questions lineup decision from HC Dave Canales