“Nineteen months ago,” explained Filice, “first-year head coach Dave Canales benched Bryce Young. In the moment, it felt like the former No. 1 overall pick’s starting days in Carolina could be over. Then Andy Dalton sprained his thumb in a car accident, thrusting Young back into the lineup. The youngster played significantly better in the second half of that 2024 campaign, and the Panthers rewarded him with the first-round selection of Tetairoa McMillan.”
Dan Morgan hit the jackpot in drafting WR Tetairoa McMillan
It turned out to be a great decision by Panthers’ general manager Dan Morgan. The popular opinion was that the team would use the eighth overall selection a year ago on a much-needed edge rusher. Instead, Morgan opted for the 6’5”, 212-pound target from the University of Arizona. McMillan would start all 17 games, and led the club in catches (70), receiving yards (1,014) and touchdown receptions (7). The former Wildcat/turned Panther was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2025.
“With a true WR1 at his disposal, Young took another big step forward,” added Filice, “allowing Carolina to win its first division title in a decade. Now the quarterback is heading into the fourth year of his rookie contract, a crucial season that could determine whether the Panthers hand him a nine-figure extension. Give the 24-year-old every chance to succeed by drafting a true batterymate at center and another playmaker at one of the skill positions.”
Carolina could give QB Bryce Young more help via the draft
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Per usual these days, there are quite a few intriguing wide receiver and tight end prospects that should be available when the Panthers are on the clock with the 19th overall selection.
This is a team that has gotten better on both sides of the ball under Morgan and Canales. While Young’s progress has been evident, he needs to be a more consistent performer and also eliminate those slow starts that plagued him too often this past season. Giving the three-year pro another reliable target and a little more help up front would certainly be a step in the right direction.