San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan Has High Praise For Carolina Panthers Rookie Tetairoa McMillan
When an offensive guru like Kyle Shanahan stops what he’s doing to talk about a rookie wide receiver, you listen. Especially when he’s about to face him on Monday Night Football. The San Francisco 49ers head coach had high praise for Panthers rookie Tetairoa McMillan. He practically rolled out the red carpet for the kid’s future coronation.
“I think he’s a stud,” Shanahan said. “He’s going to be one of the best receivers in this league sooner than later. He’s got all the skill sets to do it, and I think he’s just getting started.”
You can almost hear the collective gulp from the 49ers’ secondary. Shanahan’s praise wasn’t just some pre-game gamesmanship. It was genuine, bordering on wistful. When asked if the Arizona standout caught his eye during the draft process, Shanahan didn’t hesitate. “Yeah, big time.”
It is the kind of comment that makes you wonder what was happening in the Niners’ draft room. With the 8th pick, the Panthers snagged McMillan, leaving San Francisco to take Defensive End Mykel Williams at number 11. It’s a classic “what if” scenario. Shanahan admitted he knew McMillan would be long gone by their turn, but you can tell this is one player he wouldn’t have minded coaching.
Why Is Tetairoa McMillan Drawing Such High Praise?
So, what’s all the fuss about? Well, McMillan isn’t just playing like a rookie; he’s playing like a seasoned vet who’s been torching defensive backs for years. Through 11 games, he’s already piled up 748 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, leading all rookies and sitting sixth overall in the league.
His last game was a full-blown breakout party. Against the Falcons, McMillan went nuclear, hauling in eight catches for 130 yards and 2 touchdowns. He’s become the go-to guy for Quarterback Bryce Young, giving the Panthers’ offense a dynamic threat they’ve desperately needed.
The 49ers’ Upcoming Challenge: Containing McMillan
This sets up a juicy storyline for their Week 12 Monday night clash. The 49ers are coming off a game where they let Jacoby Brissett and the Cardinals’ passing attack rack up a staggering 452 yards. That’s not a typo. Now, they have to deal with McMillan, who’s running hot and has the full respect of their head coach.
The Panthers, sitting at 6-5, are no longer the league’s doormat. With an emerging star in McMillan and a tough running back in Rico Dowdle, they’re a legitimate threat in the NFC playoff picture. For the 49ers’ defense, this is a gut-check moment. Can they bounce back and shut down one of the league’s most exciting young talents? Or will Shanahan be forced to watch from the sideline as the player he coveted puts on a show against his own team?
