The Carolina Panthers undoubtedly had one of the most impact rookie classes this past season.

Their youngsters got some recognition from NFL Media editor Gennaro Filice, who graded and ranked every team’s unit coming out of the 2025 campaign. Filice grades Carolina’s bunch at a ‘B+’ and slots them in at the No. 9 spot on his list.

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He writes:

As we dive into draft season, there’s something everyone needs to guard against: The Overthink. You know what I’m talking about. Inevitably, in every draft cycle, certain prospects are put under too strong a microscope. It’s the obnoxious byproduct of two months of fervent football analysis without any real football. Suddenly, sparkling college production falls victim to a primal desire to POKE HOLES. It felt like Tetairoa McMillan dealt with this one year ago. Despite posting astonishing numbers at Arizona and possessing extraordinary size for his position, McMillan had a surprising number of doubters during the pre-draft process. The Panthers were not among them, and T-Mac rewarded the franchise with an Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign. Looking like a true WR1 from Day 1, McMillan led all rookies in receiving yards (1,014) and touchdown catches (seven). In related news, Bryce Young took a substantial step forward in his development, and Carolina ended a seven-year playoff drought. Don’t overthink it, people.

McMillan, the eighth overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, was named the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year last Thursday night. He became the first Panther to win the honor since quarterback Cam Newton, who did it in 2011.

Carolina’s second-round pick, outside linebacker Nic Scourton, put up some notable numbers too. Scourton was tied for a team-leading 5.0 sacks and made eight starts over 17 outings during the regular season.

The class also featured outside linebacker Princely Umanmielen, running back Trevor Etienne, defensive lineman Cam Jackson, tight end Mitchell Evans and wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. as well as undrafted signees in kicker Ryan Fitzgerald and cornerback Corey Thornton.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers’ 2025 rookie class ranked amongst best in NFL