On Thursday night, the Panthers selected University of Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the eighth overall pick of the 2025 NFL draft. Canales, who is also the offensive play-caller for Carolina, talked to reporters after the choice—and was asked if he believes McMillan could be an impact starter right away.

When the Carolina Panthers were on the clock at No. 8, they didn’t hesitate. Despite fielding trade calls and facing pressure to shore up a struggling defense, GM Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales were locked in on one name: Tet McMillan. And now, they’re all in.