PFF Best Rookies so far: Two Panthers

[mav1234]

Saw this show up in my new feed. Nice to see a couple of our rookies making it into the top 5 so far, even if it is a pff measure... From https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-top-15-rookies-week-9-2025 ...

4. TE Mitchell Evans, Carolina Panthers (78.7)

Evans struggled in the Panthers’ tight win over the Packers, finishing with a 41.8 PFF overall grade — third worst among tight ends this week. He was not targeted in the game and played only one snap in pass protection. He did log 15 run-blocking snaps, and although he earned a 68.9 PFF run-blocking grade in zone looks (seven snaps), his 39.0 mark in gap schemes (second worst for the week) dragged him down to a 46.6 PFF run-blocking grade overall — sixth worst for the week.

Despite seeing zero targets over his past two games, Evans still leads the Carolina tight end group with a 74.3 PFF receiving grade. He has caught all nine of his targets for 90 yards, six first downs and two touchdowns. Evans also leads the Panthers’ tight end group in PFF run-blocking grade (72.2). He has recorded a 20.5% positive play rate across 175 snaps. 

5. WR Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers (78.6)

McMillan had a better day against the Packers, recording four catches for 46 yards. Most of that production came in the first quarter via two 16-yard catches — one of which he snatched from Carrington Valentine’s hands, who was in perfect position to break up the pass. McMillan accounted for three first downs on the day, although Green Bay was able to limit his impact after the catch, holding him to 0.8 yards after the catch per reception.

McMillan now has 41 catches for 558 yards — a top-15 mark. He is also tied for second with 19 explosive gains of 15-plus yards.

Three of McMillan’s catches against the Packers came between the numbers, bringing him to 22 for 318 yards and 19 first downs (tied for second most) this season. He owns a 26.1% threat rate and a 76.6 PFF receiving grade between the numbers. He also ranks in the top 10 in explosive gains (10) and yards after the catch per reception (5.5) within that area of the field. 

[BEASTfromdaEAST]

Thank God DM used that #8 pick on a bona fide WR1 and not some bum pass rushing prospect like Stewart or someone else.

I believe Tet is legit WR1 material and going forward will be our long term answer at that position since we desperately were in need of one once they traded away DJ Moore.  Tet could possibly end up even being better long term than someone who I respect a ton as a WR in Moore.

Evans has been a pleasant surprise and great TE/FB depth piece going forward who could make the most of his opportunities.  Any good offense worth a damn in the NFL has 3 TEs that can do multiple things and being scared by Ian Thomas play for years should makes us all appreciate what Evans is quietly doing as a ROOKIE at one of the hardest positions to learn at the pro level. 

Keep cooking DM. This season is not over obviously but seeing some growth out of young talent finally is a breathe of fresh fuggin air for once. 

[kungfoodude]

The biggest thing holding TMac back from being a top 2 or 3 rookie WR is the QB.

Evans really needs to be getting more PT. Especially over Sanders.

[DeAngelo Beason]

Tmac would most certainly be cracking the top 5 receivers in the league this season if this team had an actual professional quarterback.  We've had a few rookie receivers that were lightning in a bottle year one, then became duds.  He's not going to be one of them.  I think he's going to be one of the best receivers in the NFL for a very long time.

[Tomcatn]

2 hours ago, kungfoodude said:

The biggest thing holding TMac back from being a top 2 or 3 rookie WR is the QB.

Evans really needs to be getting more PT. Especially over Sanders.

 

Evans really needs to be getting more PT. Especially over Sanders

 

 

Don't forget who our head coach is.

[frankw]

Considering the circumstances TMac has been very impressive for a guy only 9 games into his career.

I'm unsure about the TE room but at least we have young players we are trying to develop instead of just trotting out guys like Ian Thomas.

There will be ups and downs but let the development continue. That's all I've asked for this season. Anything else is a bonus.

[strato]

3 hours ago, DeAngelo Beason said:

Tmac would most certainly be cracking the top 5 receivers in the league this season if this team had an actual professional quarterback.  We've had a few rookie receivers that were lightning in a bottle year one, then became duds.  He's not going to be one of them.  I think he's going to be one of the best receivers in the NFL for a very long time.

He looks the part to me too. 

[LinvilleGorge]

6 hours ago, kungfoodude said:

The biggest thing holding TMac back from being a top 2 or 3 rookie WR is the QB.

Evans really needs to be getting more PT. Especially over Sanders.

T-Mac absolutely looks the part of a top 10 draft pick and bonafide #1 WR. To be a top rookie with a QB who struggles to throw for 150 yards is incredible.

[Verge]

This rookie class has certainly been a slam dunk. I am glad we have a star receiver at the very least. I think Scourton has been quite good as well.

[Gapanthersfan]

T Mac has what other DUDES have… his game just looks different than everyone else. You see it immediately. They make incredible ish look easy and routine. His ceiling is higher than any WR this team has ever had. Sorry Smitty. 

[strato]

6 minutes ago, Gapanthersfan said:

T Mac has what other DUDES have… his game just looks different than everyone else. You see it immediately. They make incredible ish look easy and routine. His ceiling is higher than any WR this team has ever had. Sorry Smitty. 

You got to go a long way to get up with Smitty. 

[Gapanthersfan]

41 minutes ago, strato said:

You got to go a long way to get up with Smitty. 

89 is in very rare air and I have him in the top 3 best players this franchise has ever seen. Smitty wrestled every ounce of potential out of his body, but I see Tet with having a higher ceiling when it comes to physical traits. I agree, he has a LONG way to go before comparing his impact to Steve’s. 

Nobody will EVER top 89 when it comes to dawg mentality, however. 

[strato]

Triple Crown with Jake.  

[OldhamA]

Wasn't Scourton high on these lists at one point?