One of the offensive weapons the San Francisco 49ers must contain on Monday night is Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who has posted 54 receptions for 748 yards and four touchdowns. The 6-foot-5 pass catcher currently ranks as Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded rookie wideout, earning an 80.4 offensive grade and an 80.6 receiving grade.
Speaking with reporters before Thursday’s practice, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked about his pre-draft evaluation of McMillan heading into the Week 12 matchup. The coach didn’t hold back his praise of the young player.
“I think he’s a stud,” Shanahan said. “He’s going to be one of the best receivers in this league sooner than later. He’s got all the skill sets to do it, and I think he’s just getting started.”
The 49ers did extensive homework on wide receivers leading into the 2025 NFL Draft and ultimately selected Jordan Watkins and Junior Bergen in the fourth and seventh rounds, respectively. Asked whether McMillan stood out during the pre-draft process, Shanahan didn’t hesitate.
“Yes, big time,” he stated.
San Francisco didn’t make its first selection until No. 11 overall, where the team drafted defensive lineman Mykel Williams. The Panthers took McMillan three picks earlier, selecting the Arizona standout at No. 8.
“We thought he was going to go before that (at No. 11), but you’ve got to cover all those guys,” Shanahan added.
Every game matters from here on out for the San Francisco 49ers, who improved to 7-4 after Sunday’s decisive 41-22 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The 49ers now turn their attention to a Monday Night Football showdown against the Carolina Panthers before facing the Cleveland…
Josh Weil of Pro Football and Sports Network has the San Francisco 49ers finally addressing the offensive tackle position in his latest 2026 NFL mock draft. However, before head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch turn to the trenches, Weil projects the team…
Sunday was a big day on a number of fronts for the San Francisco 49ers, who not only came away with a much-needed 41-22 win over the Arizona Cardinals but now have their offense nearly intact for the stretch run.
The win was important for the now 7-4 49ers as they aim to keep…
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 11 contest against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
The San Francisco 49ers are gradually increasing Brock Purdy’s practice workload to determine if the quarterback can return to…