The NFL Draft is a pivotal moment of culmination and a crucible of anxiety for many prospects. Hundreds sit anxiously by their phones, surrounded by family and agents, awaiting the life-changing call. Among them, the Carolina Panthers' own trio of former first-round selections--quarterback Bryce Young, defensive tackle Derrick Brown, and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan--took a moment to offer guidance to those walking the same path.
In a feature published Wednesday on the Panthers' official team site, the three players reflected on the emotions of draft day, lessons learned since hearing their names called, and the mindset that transforms a draft pick into a lasting NFL career. Their insight presents a rare, raw, and human look beyond mock drafts and combine numbers.
"You've Already Done the Hard Part"
Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, described the draft experience as simultaneously surreal and isolating. Speaking to the Panthers' media department, Young recalled the hectic week of travel, interviews, and media obligations leading up to the draft, but emphasized that the actual day tested patience.
"For a lot of guys, you're sitting there for hours," Young said. "You don't control when the call comes. You've done everything you can. The workouts, the interviews, the film--it's all on tape. My advice is, once you get into that green room or your living room, just breathe. You've already done the hard part. Now it's about embracing the moment."
Young's perspective carries added weight due to the unique pressure he faced as the first player selected. That poised him for the expectations that might overwhelm others. Still, he stressed that the draft is only the starting line.
"There will be ups and downs. I can promise you that," Young added. "The player who gets drafted isn't the one who succeeds in the league. The player who keeps getting better after the draft--that's who lasts."
"Find Your Routine and Stick to It"
Defensive tackle Derrick Brown, selected seventh overall in the 2020 draft and now a cornerstone of the Panthers' defensive line, offered a grounded, practical approach. Having established himself as one of the NFL's dominant interior defenders with a reputation for relentless preparation and multiple Pro Bowl honors, Brown's advice stemmed from the importance of professional discipline and structure.
"The biggest thing for me was learning how to be a professional right away," Brown said. "You go from college where everything is scheduled for you to the NFL where you have to take ownership. My advice to the guys coming in: find your routine before you get to training camp. How do you eat? How do you sleep? How do you study? If you can figure that out early, you give yourself a chance."
Brown also recounted the emotional roller coaster of draft night itself. Having waited longer than many analysts expected, with several defensive linemen selected before him, Brown learned patience and perspective.
"I remember sitting there thinking, 'Did I do enough? Did I say the wrong thing?'" Brown said. "But when I got that call from the Panthers, everything changed. The team that picks you wants you. They believe in you. Hold on to that. Don't let the noise make you forget that somebody is investing in you."
"Trust the Process, But Stay Hungry"
Rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, a first-round pick in 2025 and one of the Panthers' bright young offensive talents, recalled his own draft-day nerves still fresh in mind. Despite a stable draft stock as one of the top pass-catchers in his class, McMillan admitted the uncertainty of where he would land was overwhelming.
"I told my family not to refresh Twitter," McMillan reflected with a smile. "That's the worst thing you can do. You start reading all these predictions and trades that don't happen, and it drives you crazy. So my advice is literally just put the phone down. Enjoy the people in the room with you."
McMillan's counsel extended beyond surviving draft day. He urged prospects to maintain the hunger that propelled them to this point, even after signing their rookie contracts.
"You see a lot of guys get drafted, get the money, and they relax. They think they made it," McMillan said. "The truth is, the league doesn't care what round you were picked in. Once you get to camp, everyone has to prove themselves again. I want the new guys to understand: keep that edge. Never forget the guy who was training in the rain, running routes at 5 a.m. If you lose that, you lose your career."
The Panthers' Commitment to Building Culture
This feature serves not only as inspiring advice but also as evidence of the Panthers' deliberate culture-building strategy. By having three of their most notable offensive and defensive players--Young, Brown, and McMillan--serve as mentors for newcomers before they even arrive, the franchise signals that camaraderie, leadership, and accountability are valued from Day 1.
In recent years, the Panthers have experienced significant roster turnover and coaching changes. Creating a stable, player-led environment is now a priority. Young and Brown have grown into key veterans in the locker room. McMillan, though still early in his career, has formed a close on-field rapport with Young. Their voices and leadership resonate.
Head coach Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan have emphasized building a team culture of internal accountability. This organic player leadership initiative--teammates coaching future teammates--is the kind of foundation that can sustain long-term success.
Key Takeaways for Draft Prospects
The trio provided distinct but complementary advice for prospects striving to transition from college stars to NFL professionals:
Bryce Young emphasizes emotional composure: breathe and embrace the moment.
Derrick Brown focuses on professional discipline: establish routines that build readiness.
Tetairoa McMillan champions relentless hunger: keep the competitive fire alive beyond draft day.
Together, these messages form a complete blueprint for the mental and professional attributes necessary for thriving in the NFL.
Prospects across the league--especially those the Panthers target in this year's draft--would be wise to heed this collective wisdom. Talent alone does not guarantee a lasting career; the ability to handle distractions, trust structures, and maintain gritty determination ultimately makes the difference.
Looking Ahead: Rookie Minicamp and Beyond
As the 2026 NFL Draft unfolds tonight in Detroit, moments of joy, tears, and surprise will unfold. For the young men awaiting their names, the voices of Carolina's veterans offer timeless counsel: breathe, build routines, stay hungry, and always remember that the draft is just the first play of a very long game.
The Panthers will commence their rookie minicamp in May. It is here that the class of 2026--and perhaps some future team leaders--will begin their journeys. Taking to heart the advice of Young, Brown, and McMillan, these prospects will be well positioned to hit the ground running and contribute to the franchise's bright future.
The road ahead is long, but with the right mindset and support system, the Panthers believe their newest players can make a lasting impact in Carolina.