For the first time in years, the Panthers have stability under center. No more quarterback carousel, and no more question marks. Bryce Young’s late-season resurgence put the bust talk to rest. Moreover, gone are the days of cycling through Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, PJ Walker, and Teddy Bridgewater. But not everyone is convinced. According to Moe Moton of Bleacher Report, Carolina’s QB situation still has a panic meter of 8. Enter a 1,319-yard “special talent”—a potential game-changer for the Panthers. Could he be the missing piece to turn things around?
On March 30, PFF dropped a video that got people talking. Analyst Dalton Wasserman weighed in on Tetairoa McMillan, sparking a debate about his NFL future. “It feels like there’s overthinking going on right now with McMillan,” said Wasserman. And he made his case, stating, “The way he moves at six-foot-five is rare. And I think you look at a guy who can make those contested catches—he’s a better separator than you think.” So, McMillan isn’t just another big receiver, he’s a special talent. And despite the doubts, Wasserman sees star potential written all over him.
Wasserman made it clear—McMillan could be the answer for the Panthers. However, he doesn’t understand why mock drafts are sliding McMillan into the late tens or even the 20s. Following that, Wasserman stated, “I don’t know. I don’t know if he should get outside the top eight.” But if Carolina is on the clock at No. 8? “It should be a serious thought to get Bryce Young that big number one receiver,” according to Dalton.
“There’s a lot of overthinking going on right now” @PFF_Dalton on Tetairoa McMillan pic.twitter.com/Czeb9PG3xl
— PFF (@PFF) March 29, 2025
You can say, it’s a game-changing objective for the young QB as a dynamic playmaker with size and separation skills. As of now, could McMillan be the missing piece in Carolina’s offense? That’s the million-dollar question. But if the Panthers pass, another team might not. Dallas at 12, maybe? If they’re searching for the next elite receiver, McMillan could be their guy. That’s the word from PFF analyst Dalton.
And why not? Tetairoa McMillan isn’t just another big WR—he’s a special talent. “That I think is a special talent. What you’ve seen the last year and a half is the best vertical receiver in college football, right?” said PFF analyst. On top of that, “The highest receiving grade, on 10-plus-yard targets in college football. You’d expect that again—six-five, 220.” So, the numbers don’t lie, and the talent is undeniable.
Last year, he averaged 15.7 yards per catch across 12 games, racking up 84 receptions, 1,319 yards, and 8 TDs. And when the lights were brightest, he delivered. Also, in the season opener against New Mexico, McMillan made history—hauling in 10 catches for 304 yards. It was a pure dominance. Yet, some still doubt him, but Wasserman isn’t buying it and he said, “There’s a lot of overthinking going on right now. ‘Oh, this is just another big receiver that can’t separate.’ The separation got better, especially against single coverage this year.”
So, Tet is built to take over at the next level. And NFL teams are taking notice. According to a league source, the Arizona standout—one of the best wide receivers in the draft—is set to visit the Panthers as part of their top-30 visits. Let’s be real, Carolina is searching for answers, and McMillan could be the solution. But amidst this QB panic, the Panthers’ head coach Dave Canales has received a tough verdict on Bryce Young.
The NFL analyst isn’t impressed by Panthers’ QB situation
NFL analyst Moe Moton’s reasoning is eye-opening. Okay, forget, for a moment, how surprising it is to see other teams supposedly having more confidence in their QBs than the Panthers. However, the reality? It was a rocky road for Bryce Young. “Within the first three weeks of the previous campaign, head coach Dave Canales benched Young for Dalton. Young didn’t reclaim the starting job until Dalton sprained his thumb in a car accident,” said Moton.
So, for Young, it was a tough start and a rollercoaster ride. However, despite the early struggles, Bryce Young made the most of his 2nd chance. Well, he didn’t just bounce back—he showed real growth. As Moe Moton put it best, stating, “That being said, the 2023 No. 1 pick took advantage of his second chance. He made moderate strides and finished the season with seven touchdown passes and zero interceptions in his last three outings.”
TAMPA, FL – AUGUST 11: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales runs off the field moments before the preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 11, 2023 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA AUG 11 Preseason – Steelers at Buccaneers EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon357230811090
However, Moton isn’t convinced Bryce Young has locked in his spot just yet. “One more shot“—that’s how he frames Young’s 2025 season, as if the QB hadn’t already shown progress and the Panthers haven’t already named him their franchise guy. And if Young stumbles? According to Moton, Andy Dalton remains a viable option, capable of performing adequately to keep the Panthers in contention.
But 2 years after using the No. 1 pick on Young, the Panthers are still searching for their long-term answer at QB, per Moton. So, Young is in the building, but the uncertainty remains. Is he the guy for Carolina? Or is the franchise already eyeing its next move? That’s definitely one to keep an eye on.
The post 1319-YD ‘Special Talent’ Announced as a Fix for Panthers’ Woes After Dave Canales Given Tough Bryce Young Verdict appeared first on EssentiallySports.
