The run from “starting franchise quarterback” to “benched bust” to “rejuvenated savior” is a solid arc over an entire career; Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold both reached Station 3 last year. Over in Carolina, though, Bryce Young sped-run through all the stations in just one season. After Thursday night’s first round of the draft, it’s clear that the Panthers are tripling down on Young’s potential, yet another bounce in the NFL’s most pinballing quarterback career.
With the eighth pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Panthers selected wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan out of Arizona. McMillan himself is a defensible, potentially exceptional pick.