### Panthers' Rookie Receiver Tetairoa McMillan Shines in OTAs

CHARLOTTE - The Carolina Panthers are already seeing the benefits of their decision to draft wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, as the rookie is making impressive strides during Organized Team Activities (OTAs). The session held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in Charlotte, NC, highlighted McMillan's growing comfort and skill on the field, largely thanks to the support he's receiving from his veteran teammates and coaches.

McMillan is benefiting tremendously from the mentorship of seasoned players Adam Thielen and Hunter Renfrow, who have been pivotal in accelerating his adaptation to the NFL. During OTAs, Thielen and Renfrow can frequently be seen offering guidance to McMillan and fellow young receiver Xavier Legette, sharing lessons from their combined decades of experience in professional football.

"He's really taken to the coaching, first and foremost," said Panthers head coach Dave Canales. "The goal is to get him comfortable with the system, the different types of plays, and the different formations. We're starting to make it more challenging in terms of moving him around different spots. He's handling it great. That gives him his best opportunity to play fast."

McMillan is also facing Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn in practice, providing him with the kind of tough, physical challenge he will encounter regularly during the season. This daily competition is crucial for his development and is helping to hone his skills against top-level defensive backs.

"It's a huge testament to everybody's humility that we have in our group; nobody's entitled," McMillan said. "At the end of the day, we all want to see each other succeed; if one person wins, we all win. For me, it's a blessing. I'm learning a lot from these guys who have so much knowledge and experience."

A notable focus for McMillan has been adjusting to the more physical nature of the NFL. He acknowledges that he needs to work on his releases off the line of scrimmage and play with more physicality, areas where Horn and Mike Jackson, both substantial, athletic corners, are providing invaluable experience.

Horn's commitment to McMillan’s growth is apparent. "Every day, we're chasing greatness and we try to make each other better," McMillan noted. Canales also emphasized the importance of these practice matchups. "We talk about it all the time; we make us. It's the matchups every day at practice that make us who we are."

As McMillan continues to acclimate, his ability to control his body and use his hands at the top of routes stands out. "For a 6-4 guy to be able to control his body and then come back to the ball, he's such a friendly target because he attacks it whenever it's thrown to him," Canales remarked. This progress bodes well for the rookie as he prepares for the upcoming season.