Tetairoa McMillan
TheCarolina Panthers rolled into their preseason opener with a rookie class that had already made waves in training camp. First round pickTetairoa McMillan was the talk of Charlotte after highlight catches in joint practices, sixth rounder Jimmy Horn Jr. had lots of touchdowns at FanFest, and young edge rushersNic Scourton andPrincely Umanmielen had flashed “juice” against starting tackles.
But the live game stage told a different story. “It was an underwhelming day for the class overall,”ESPN Analyst David Newton wrote after the Panthers fell short in their opener. There were moments like McMillan’s downfield grab or Scourton’s sack, but also miscues and missed chances that kept the rookies from truly tipping the game’s momentum.
Offensive Highlights… and Missed Chances
Jimmy Horn Jr.
GettyTetairoa McMillan’s highlight grab hinted at a breakout.
McMillan’s biggest moment came on a perfect over the shoulder catch fromBryce Young for 30 yards, the kind of play that had been routine in camp when the two connected deep. CoachDave Canales had praised their chemistry just days earlier, saying, “Bryce has been giving T Mac a lot of opportunities.” But the opener was a reminder that chemistry has to survive the speed and pressure of live reps. And McMillan finished with only two catches on five targets and missed a touchdown opportunity after running the wrong route.
Sixth round pick Jimmy Horn Jr. also had a mixed afternoon. He caught four of five targets, showing solid hands, but produced just 15 yards. The stat line hints at a role limited to underneath routes and quick throws, a role that works only if he can turn those short gains into chunk plays. Without yards after the catch, his impact stays capped.
Panthers Defensive Rookies Face Steep Learning Curve
Panthers defense
GettyThere’s a long climb ahead before Carolina can rely on its rookies in crunch time.
The Panthers defensive rookies were billed as part of the solution to a pass rush that ranked last in the NFL a year ago. In camp, Umanmielen twice beat starting left tackleIkem Ekwonu clean, and Scourton’s burst had earned early praise from veterans. In the opener, though, the two combined for just one sack (Scourton’s) and too many quiet snaps.
Umanmielen’s most notable play was a negative one, losing outside containment on a quarterback scramble that extended a drive. In camp drills, that misstep gets corrected in the next rep; in games, it can change the outcome of a series.
The opener didn’t erase the positive signs from camp. McMillan still profiles as a difference maker, Horn Jr. brings route polish and energy, and the rookie pass rushers have tools to work with. But it did underline the gap between potential and production. The Panthers need sharper routes, more after the catch danger, and a steadier edge presence when the pocket starts to move.
Carolina’s next chance to see growth comes Aug. 16 at 1 p.m. ET against the Houston Texans. The preseason isn’t about wins and losses; it’s about whether young players correct mistakes, adapt to speed, and build toward Week 1. If the Panthers rookies can turn camp flashes into consistent impact, “underwhelming” will be a one week label, not a season long storyline.