Panthers cap rookie class by signing second-round draft pick Lee Hunter
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Panthers cap rookie class by signing second-round draft pick Lee Hunter originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Dan Morgan opened the second day of the 2026 NFL Draft focused on solidifying the interior of his defensive line. Carolina Panthers general manager made his move, trading up in the second round to select Texas Tech nose tackle Lee Hunter.
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Despite being the lone member of the Panthers' draft class who did not sign his rookie contract before last week's rookie minicamp, Hunter made some noise during his two-day introduction to professional football.
Under the league's current labor deal, second-rounders generally have the most negotiating leverage. Last season's second-rounder, Nic Scourton, didn't sign until July 19 before the start of training camp.
Hunter obviously decided to get the business out of the way.
Panthers lock up NT Lee Hunter, rookie class
Hunter and wide receiver Chris Brazzell II, selected in the third round, drew much of the minicamp's attention during the individual drills at the practice fields behind Bank of America Stadium last Friday and Saturday.
"When you're an interior defensive lineman, it all starts with violence," Canales said after Friday's practice. "That's one thing that he kind of characterized himself (as). What's your play style? Violence. And he repeatedly said violence. Just the way that he's disruptive and explosive at the line of scrimmage.
Hunter collected 7.5 sacks and 32 tackles for loss during three college seasons with Central Florida and Texas Tech. At 6-foot-3, 318 pounds, Hunter graded out as one of the nation's top run defenders.
The 49th overall draft pick joined Derrick Brown, Bobby Brown III, Tershawn Wharton, LaBryan Ray, Jared Harrison-Hunte and 2025 draft pick Cam Jackson in the defensive line room. Undrafted free agents Aaron Hall and Parker Petersen are also listed on the 91-man offseason roster.
Bobby Brown enters the offseason training activities (OTAs) as the leader to start inside of Derrick Brown and Wharton. The Panthers open OTAs with practices on May 26, 27 and 29.
Could Hunter muscle his way into an expanded rotational role before the Panthers open the regular season against the visiting Chicago Bears on Sept. 13?