SAN FRANCISCO Every year, the best of the best in the league descend on NFL Honors. The top at their position, their side of the ball, and in the game as a whole walk the red carpet, take the stage, and are recognized for their impact on the game that season.
Carolina Panthers receiver Tetairoa McMillan will be amongst that group tonight, as one of the five finalists for the Associated Press offensive rookie of the year. He is facing off against Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, Patriots running back Treveyon Henderson, and Saints quarterback Tyler Shough.
Each guy earned his spot as a finalist, but voters50 nationwide media members who cover the leagueare tasked with finding the edge each has over the other. The votes are tabulated by each voter listing their top five for each award. A first-place vote is worth 10 points, a second-place vote is worth 5 points, and third, fourth, and fifth place are worth 3, 2, and 1 points, respectively. The weighted point system awards those with the most points.
McMillan has already been named the offensive rookie of the year and overall rookie of the year by the PFWA (pro football writers of America). In 13 of the last 15 years, the rookie that won the PFWA offensive rookie of the year, subsequently won the AP rookie of the year at NFL Honors.
Before tonight's awards show, let's take a look at the five finalists and how they stack up against each other and the league.
*All stats are for the regular season only. They were gathered from Next Gen Stats, Pro Football Focus, and Pro Football Reference. Each table looks at relevant stats such as total yardage, first downs and touchdowns gained, the percentage of offensive snaps each guy played for his respective team, and the share of offensive production he was responsible for adding.
Tetairoa McMillan: Panthers, WR
The Panthers No. 8 overall pick helped reshape Carolina's offense this season, giving Bryce Young a big, reliable, talented target. From one-handed catches to wide-open game-changing plays, McMillan became a highlight reel waiting to happen.
Final PFF Grade:78.7
Games started/played:17/17
What they're saying:Kyle Shanahan on McMillan ahead of Week 12: "I think he's a stud. 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."
Emeka Egbuka: Buccaneers, WR
When the Bucs veteran receiver group suffered injuries early in the season, Tampa Bay's 19th overall pick stepped up, becoming one of Baker Mayfield's favorite targets and making the big plays the Bucs needed.
Final PFF Grade:67.3
Games started/played:13/17
What they're saying: Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez on Egbuka after Week 10: "He's a good receiver he got drafted high for a reason. They do a real good job, as I said earlier in the week, him andMayfield">link-placeholder-0 have gotten into a rhythm very early in the season, and they continued it. It's a fun challenge out thereit was fun."
Tyler Shough: Saints, QB
Midway through the season, the Saints made a quarterback change, benching second-year passer Spencer Rattler for the rookie Shough. He's a mature rookie, after six years in college, at 26 years old. That experience showed up, as he went 5-4 in his starts. His nine starts would be the fewest ever by a quarterback to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Final PFF Grade:74.6
Games started/played:9/11
What they're saying:NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay on why Shough would be the No. 1 overall pick in a re-draft: "Tracking to potentially be offensive rookie of the year. Measurables, mobility, 6-4 220, mobility, arm strength, off schedule, on scheduleIf you're just dropped on this planet starting in September and you watch the whole season, to this point, who's been the best quarterback? Tyler Shough."
TreVeyon Henderson: Patriots, RB
This rookie became quarterback Drake Maye's best friend, especially while Rhamondre Stevenson was sidelined with injury for a handful of games this season. Henderson helped the Patriots establish a rushing attack that changed their offense this season, and now they're playing for a Super Bowl.
Final PFF Grade:68.9
Games started/played:4/17
What they're saying:Tristan H. Cockcroft of ESPN: "There's a reason he earned the "Baby Saquon" sobriquet during his days at Ohio State, as Henderson's breakaway speed was apparent over the second half of the seasonHe's sure to play a more sizable role for an up-and-coming Patriots team in 2026."
Jaxson Dart: Giants, QB
Despite losing wide receiver Malik Nabers in Week 1 and running back Cam Skattebo in Week 8, Dart was able to keep the Giants offense exciting, throwing for the second-most passing yards by a rookie in franchise history, and setting a new franchise record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback.
Final PFF Grade:68.4
Games started/played:12/14
What they're saying:ESPN NFL analyst Matt Miller on Dart in November: "He's playing exceptionally well. And to be thrown in, the expectation was that Russell Wilson would be the starter. You think that he's going to come in and be a guy that sits for a year and kind of learns, and that was not the case with him. He was thrown out there after a couple weeks. He's played exceptionally well."
