All Panthers

Tetairoa McMillan joins Ja'Marr Chase, others in rarified air for rookie WRs

The rookie has been as good in his first season as some of the NFL's best.
Zach Roberts|
Nov 9, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) during player introductions at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Nov 9, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) during player introductions at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

In this story:

Carolina Panthers

Though it's not as if he needed one, Sunday was clearly Tetairoa McMillan's coming-out party. The Carolina Panthers' rookie has been excellent, but he dropped a career day with eight catches, 130 yards, and two touchdowns. He did it against the NFL's top-ranked pass defense, too.

McMillan has been nothing short of phenomenal this year. He might win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award if the season ended today. But beyond that, the data says he's not just a good rookie, but he's as good a rookie as some of the best wide receivers in the NFL have been.

Tetairoa McMillan joins elite class of wide receivers

Tetairoa McMilla
Nov 16, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) looks on during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

An 80 PFF grade for the season is impressive. While PFF's grades can be inconsistent and there's not a lot of context behind them, generally speaking, you want players to have higher PFF grades. It more often than not means a good performance.

For Tetairoa McMillan, his breakout day on Sunday pushed him over the 80.0 threshold for the season. No other rookie receiver in the league is above that mark, and in doing so, McMillan joined the elite of the elite.

The following WRs have achieved that mark in their rookie seasons:

  • Justin Jefferson
  • Terry McLaurin
  • Michael Thomas
  • Garrett Wilson
  • Puka Nacua
  • Rashee Rice
  • Ja'Marr Chase
  • Mike Evans
  • Keenan Allen
  • Tank Dell
  • A.J. Brown
  • Chris Olave
  • Brandon Aiyuk
  • Tyreek Hill
  • Doug Baldwin
  • Amon-Ra St. Brown

Those are some of the best receivers in the league right now, and some of the best of the era. Of course, what matters is what comes next for McMillan and if he can continue at this high level, but for now, the future is blindingly bright.

Just reaching this threshold, especially with an admittedly hot and cold passing offense, is highly impressive. And all this comes after there wasn't a consensus on where the rookie should be drafted and if the Panthers were right to take him.

They obviously were, as McMillan is currently the best rookie wide receiver in the league and the grades suggest he's one of the best wide receivers regardless of status and could be a problem in this league for years to come.

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

Bryce Young delivered, but Panthers get no bump in power rankings

Panthers PFF grades: Bryce Young hits new high against Falcons

Carolina Panthers WRs among NFL’s biggest winners in Week 11

Bryce Young on breaking Panthers record long held by Cam Newton

Published
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.

Home/News