Panthers Prioritize Offense with McMillan Pick, Vow too Address Defensive Needs
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Archyde.com) — The Carolina Panthers, coming off a season where they struggled mightily on both sides of the ball, used their first-round pick to bolster their offense, selecting wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. While the move addresses a glaring need for quarterback Bryce Young, it leaves questions about the defense, wich allowed a league-high number of points last season.
Offensive Boost with McMillan
General Manager Dan Morgan expressed excitement about the team’s newest addition,stating on Thursday night that the wideout will “add a different dimension to our offense.” The hope is that McMillan, a standout from Arizona, will provide Young with a reliable target and help unlock the potential that made Young the first overall pick in the previous year’s draft.
The Panthers’ offense ranked near the bottom of the league in several key categories last season, including points scored and passing yards. The addition of a player like McMillan is seen as a crucial step in revitalizing the unit and providing Young with the support he needs to succeed.
Defense Still a Priority
Despite the offensive focus of their top pick,Morgan emphasized that the team has not forgotten about its defensive struggles. “It’s still a need, and you know we have eight more picks,” Morgan said, via the team’s website, acknowledging the importance of improving the defense. “We wanted to add the best player, we wanted to follow the board, follow our board of who we thought was going to help us the most up there. Again, we got our guy, and we’re excited about it.”
Morgan pointed to the team’s free agency moves as evidence of their commitment to improving the defense. “We did attack our defensive needs through free agency. And again, we have eight picks left, and our board has a lot of defensive guys on there as well. So, it’s definitely not something that we’re going to neglect.”
Draft Strategy and Potential Trades
The Panthers are currently slated to pick again at No. 57 overall. However, with eight total picks in the draft, they possess the ammunition to move up the board, potentially targeting a player they have identified as a key piece for their defense. Several talented defensive players are projected to be available in the second and third rounds, including linebackers, defensive backs, and defensive linemen.
the Panthers’ approach reflects a common draft strategy: selecting the best available player early, regardless of position, and then addressing remaining needs later in the draft. This strategy allows teams to maximize the value of their picks and avoid reaching for players simply to fill a specific need.
| Round | Pick Number |
|---|---|
| 1 | 8 (Tetairoa McMillan, WR) |
| 2 | 57 |
| 3 | 89 |
| 4 | 121 |
| 5 | 153 |
| 6 | 185, 193 |
| 7 | 225, 250 |
Addressing the Counterargument
Some analysts have criticized the Panthers’ decision to prioritize offense over defense, given their struggles on that side of the ball last season. The argument is that the team should have used its top pick to address a more pressing need, such as pass rusher or cornerback. While this argument has merit, the Panthers clearly believe that improving the offense will ultimately benefit the entire team. A more productive offense will keep the defense off the field longer, reducing the pressure on them to make stops.
Moreover, the Panthers’ front office has shown a willingness to invest in the defense through free agency, signing veteran players to provide leadership and experience. This suggests that the team is taking a holistic approach to improving its defense, rather than relying solely on the draft.
FAQ: Carolina Panthers Draft Strategy
- Why did the Panthers draft a wide receiver in the first round when their defense struggled last year?
- The panthers felt Tetairoa mcmillan was the best player available at their draft position and will “add a different dimension to our offense.” They believe improving the offense will help the entire team.
- How will the Panthers address their defensive needs?
- general Manager Dan Morgan stated, “It’s still a need, and you know we have eight more picks.” The team also addressed defensive needs through free agency.
- Do the Panthers plan to trade any of their remaining draft picks?
- With eight picks remaining, the Panthers have the flexibility to trade up in the draft if they identify a player they strongly desire.
- What was the Panthers’ biggest weakness last season?
- The Panthers set an NFL record for points allowed in a single season last year.
