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Panthers GM Dan Morgan explains ignoring huge needs on defense for Tet McMillan

The Panthers arguably needed defenders way more than a wide receiver.
Zach Roberts|
Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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One could argue that the Carolina Panthers needed a safety, an edge rusher, a linebacker (and Jalon Walker does the latter two himself), and an interior defensive lineman a little more than they needed a wide receiver in the first round of the NFL draft. The Panthers, though, didn't address any of those needs.

Coming off a year in which they yielded more points than anyone ever has as a defense, they decided to make sure they could score more. They picked Tetairoa McMillan despite all the glaring needs on defense and the fact that Walker, Mykel Williams, and others were all available to them.

GM Dan Morgan explained why. "It's still a need. We have eight more picks, so we wanted to add the best player," he said. They had Tetairoa McMillan ranked above those other defenders, including Jalon Walker, so they picked him. They decided they weren't good enough to draft on need and instead focused on the best player, which they felt was the Arizona WR.

Things might've changed had the draft board looked different when the eighth pick came around, but they went offensive. With that done, you can expect them to take defense with most of the remaining eight picks, something Morgan immediately alluded to when asked about the offensive selection.

Wide receiver was a need, but the trio of Adam Thielen, Jalen Coker, and Xavier Legette were a better unit than the pass-rushing trio of DJ Wonnum, Pat Jones, and Jadeveon Clowney. Still, the Panthers went best player available and added to a need even if it wasn't the most glaring one.

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Zach Roberts
ZACH ROBERTS

Zachary Roberts is a journalist with a wide variety of experience covering basketball, golf, entertainment, video games, music, football, baseball, and hockey. He currently covers Charlotte sports teams and has been featured on Sportskeeda, Yardbarker, MSN, and On SI.

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