The Carolina Panthers have been busy the past two NFL drafts, aiming to strengthen their offensive firepower and surround their young quarterback, Bryce Young, with better weapons. Now, those efforts might finally bear fruit in the upcoming season. According to ESPN’s latest roster evaluations, one particular area of the Panthers’ offense is generating unexpected buzz — their wide receiver group, which the sports outlet has surprisingly named the team’s top strength.
This acknowledgment from ESPN comes as a twist, considering the Panthers are not viewed as contenders by most league analysts. ESPN ranks the team’s overall roster at a dismal No. 30 out of 32 teams, putting Carolina near the very bottom of the league in terms of projected talent. Yet despite this low standing, the analysts believe the receiver corps may be the unit that shines the brightest and provides quarterback Bryce Young with a solid platform for further growth.
Much of the optimism centers around the addition of Tetairoa McMillan, the dynamic wide receiver from Arizona who was drafted eighth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. His arrival is expected to make an immediate impact on the Panthers’ offensive scheme. McMillan joins a retooled group that also includes Xavier Legette, a first-round selection from 2024, and Jalen Coker, a standout undrafted free agent signed last year who made waves late in the season.
In their breakdown, ESPN wrote:
“Wide receiver. There’s some projection here, but receiver should be this team’s strength. Carolina boosted the position on draft day by selecting Tetairoa McMillan with the No. 8 pick. He’ll join 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette and gem 2024 UDFA find Jalen Coker on the perimeter, with reliable Adam Thielen back for more at age 35.”
While it’s unusual to see the Panthers’ wideouts labeled a “strength,” especially given how inconsistent the team’s passing game has been in recent years, ESPN’s optimism appears rooted in the potential of this young core — particularly if McMillan develops quickly and gels with Young. The synergy between a quarterback and his receiving unit is critical, and Carolina has been focused on assembling a lineup that can provide stability, speed, and route-running prowess for their franchise QB.
Bryce Young, the former No. 1 overall pick, has had an uneven start to his NFL career. However, he showed promise in the second half of last season, improving his poise in the pocket, accuracy, and leadership. Over the final ten games, the Panthers posted a 4-6 record — a modest improvement but enough to suggest that Young may be on the verge of a breakout. With additional support from a more complete receiving unit, this could be a defining season for him.
One name to watch closely is Jalen Coker. ESPN highlighted the young wideout as the team’s “non-starter to know.” Coker’s story is one of resilience and emergence. After initially being left off the roster in early 2024, he clawed his way back onto the team and earned playing time. He ended the season ranked 19th among qualifying receivers in ESPN’s Receiver Tracking Metrics — an advanced analytics system that evaluates route-running, separation, and catch efficiency. His highlight moment came with an explosive 83-yard touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in December, a performance that solidified his reputation as a rising star.
Despite being currently listed behind starters like McMillan, Legette, and veteran Adam Thielen, Coker is expected to remain a vital rotational piece. Injuries and fatigue are inevitable in the NFL, and depth at wide receiver is crucial. Should any of the starters miss time, Coker could be thrust into a larger role — and he’s already shown that he can deliver when called upon.
Speaking of Adam Thielen, the veteran presence he brings to the locker room cannot be overstated. Now 35 years old, Thielen continues to defy age expectations and remains one of the most dependable possession receivers in the league. Since 2017, he ranks eighth in total receptions across the NFL — a testament to his consistency and football IQ. He’ll provide leadership to the younger players and serve as a reliable target for Young, especially in critical third-down situations or red zone plays.
Although ESPN’s power ranking for the Panthers is far from flattering, there’s a silver lining. If the wide receiver group indeed blossoms as projected, it could help open up the entire offense. A strong passing game would prevent defenses from stacking the box against the run, thereby creating more space and opportunities for the Panthers’ ground attack. This kind of balance is exactly what new head coach Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan envisioned when they began reshaping the roster.
It’s worth noting that while the Panthers still face a number of questions on the offensive line, at tight end, and on the defensive side of the ball, a reliable receiving corps could serve as the engine of their offensive resurgence. For Young, having a full offseason with this revamped group should help in building timing, chemistry, and confidence — all essential factors for a young quarterback still adapting to the NFL’s speed and complexity.
From the franchise’s perspective, this praise from ESPN represents a rare moment of encouragement. Carolina fans have had little to celebrate over the past few seasons, enduring coaching changes, poor offensive output, and underwhelming records. The potential emergence of this wide receiver group gives supporters a reason to believe in a brighter future.
Of course, projections are just that — educated guesses based on data, trends, and scouting. Execution on the field will determine whether this young receiving corps can live up to expectations. But given their individual skill sets, the presence of a maturing quarterback in Young, and the experience of a veteran like Thielen, the Panthers’ wideouts could become one of the league’s surprise success stories.
In the end, while Carolina still has a long way to go in its rebuild, ESPN’s analysis shines a spotlight on a position group that could redefine the team’s trajectory. If McMillan adjusts to the pro level quickly, if Legette continues his upward climb, and if Coker gets more chances to make plays, the Panthers’ receivers could become not just a team strength — but one of the more intriguing units in the NFL.
