Panthers WR room outlook

By: Jake Rajala

The Carolina Panthers wide receiver room is hard to untwine. They have a unique combination of talent, youth, and old faces. They have slowly built a WR core that could help Bryce Young succeed. He was dazzling in the second half of last season. He can take that next step with a true, top-end WR1.

They carry their 2025th eighth overall pick Tetairora McMillan, who has drawn comparisons to Mike Evans. All Tetairora did last season was haul in 1,319 yards. He’s also notched 26 touchdowns in three seasons. Cam Newton said he was extremely pleased with their draft. Tetairoa ran the 40 yard dash in 4.48 seconds, while Evans ran it in 4.53.

After the rook, the Panthers showcase Adam Thielen. According to PFT, Thielen said this could be his final year. This shouldn’t come as a surprise as he will turn 35 in August. It’s quite impressive that he is still playing as a skill player at that age. Thielen brought home 1,014 yards in 2023 and 615 yards in 10 games last season.

After the Panthers starting WR duo, they have Xavier Legette. He was none other than the first round pick in 2024. He registered 497 yards and four touchdowns last season. He had a PFF grade of 59.3 – which placed him 90th out of 98 WRs.

I would hand the Panthers WR room a B and place them around 8-12 overall. They don’t only have talent, but they should put up fireworks in an NFC South division that had below average pass defenses. The Buccaneers were 30th, the Saints were 28th, and Atlanta was 24th in passing yards allowed last season! I don’t believe that they need to break the bank for a free agent WR anytime soon.

I would like to see the Panthers draft a slot weapon in the 2026 draft to grow alongside a young QB and blossoming WRs.