For the first time in a decade, the Carolina Panthers are in sole possession of the NFC South during Christmas time. And part of this holiday cheer can be attributed to their 2025 NFL draft class.

Like good ol’ Saint Nick, but about eight months early, general manager Dan Morgan brought a big bag of presents to Charlotte. The haul was led by eighth overall pick and standout University of Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who has already exceeded expectations.

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McMillan became the offense’s No. 1 target from the jump. He now enters Week 17 with 65 receptions for 924 receiving yards (the most amongst all rookie pass catchers) and seven touchdowns.

While he is still learning how to beat man coverage and utilize his size to his advantage at the catch point more consistently, McMillan’s route-running, run-after-catch ability, fluidity and reliability is paying dividends. In fact, he feels like the heavy favorite to win this season’s Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Then, after McMillan, Morgan had to build and develop depth across the roster. He then turned to outside linebackers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen in the second and third rounds and addressed other positions of need such as running back, safety and tight end.

Many members of the class have gone on to contribute periodically, but Sunday’s massive win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might’ve served as the greatest reminder of the potency of this class. They just about all had a hand in the biggest home victory in years.

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McMillan scored on a 22-yard grab before the half, Scourton was all over the place all afternoon, running back fourth-round Trevor Etienne was solid in his returns, fifth-round tight end Mitchell Evans was the team’s third-leading receiver and sixth-round wideout Jimmy Horn Jr. popped on an early end-around. And, to cap off the triumph, fifth-round defensive lineman Cam Jackson helped put pressure on Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield, who threw the game-clinching interception to fourth-round safety Lathan Ransom.

Heck, even an undrafted member of the class in kicker Ryan Fitzgerald made his mark. Fitzgerald booted through all three of his field goals, including the go-ahead 48-yarder in the fourth quarter.

Carolina’s 2025 class has the power to keep changing the trajectory of this franchise. Whether it’s a starting stud like McMillan or even a change-of-pace, special teams ball carrier in Etienne, the group has provided this growing roster with quality contributors and depth.

And when it’s all said and done, or maybe even long before that, we might be looking at one of the best draft classes in Panthers history.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers’ 2025 rookie class may already be amongst the greatest in franchise history