A Carolina Panthers rookie is a favorite for the Offensive Rookie of the Year race.
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is having an impressive season. The 22-year-old wide receiver has hauled in 57 receptions for 826 yards and six touchdowns.
The Panthers took McMillan with the eighth overall pick, and he has been well worth it. He has proven that he can be the top weapon for Bryce Young and could develop into one of the best receivers in the league.
In Carolina's upset win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, McMillan wasn't too involved. He was only targeted twice, but made the most of it, catching a 43-yard touchdown to give the Panthers the lead in the fourth quarter.
The 22-year-old wideout's consistency in making an impact every week has solidified his status as a favorite for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He would be the first Panther to win the award since Cam Newton in 2011.
Down the stretch, Carolina will lean on McMillan's contributions on offense. Quarterback Bryce Young is having the best season of his career, as he's completed 63.4 percent of his passes for 2,337 yards, 18 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
A big part of his breakout campaign has been having a number one receiver in McMillan to target. Young and McMillan's connection should only continue to grow.
Carolina also has some solid complementary weapons in Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker, along with a talented running back duo of Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard.
With the array of weapons, Young is playing quality football for the Panthers. If he can play consistently, it would take the offense and team to another level.
The Panthers are right in the thick of the playoff hunt in the NFC. At 7-6, Carolina is only a half-game behind the 7-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers for first place in the NFC South.
Their battle for the division will likely come down to their two matchups against each other in the last three weeks of the season.
The Panthers haven't made it to the playoffs since 2017. As they try to end their playoff drought, Carolina will rely on the connection between Young and McMillan that has been so dynamic for the offense.