Home / Sports / Panthers Draft DT Lee Hunter: Reinforcing the Run Defense
Panthers Draft DT Lee Hunter: Reinforcing the Run Defense
13 May
Summary
- Carolina Panthers drafted Texas Tech DT Lee Hunter in the second round.
- Hunter, weighing 318 pounds, aims to improve Carolina's league-worst run defense.
- His addition may impact Bobby Brown's roster spot for the 2026 season.
The Carolina Panthers have acquired defensive tackle Lee Hunter from Texas Tech during the second day of the NFL draft. General Manager Dan Morgan made a strategic trade to secure the 6'3 1/2", 318-pound prospect. This move is aimed at significantly improving the team's run defense, which allowed a league-worst 179.8 yards per game on the ground in 2024.
Hunter's presence is expected to provide defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero with a valuable asset alongside Derrick Brown. The Panthers' defensive line, which saw some veteran additions last offseason, still struggled against the run in the latter half of the previous season. Hunter's quickness and disruption potential are noted strengths.
ESPN analyst Ben Solak has identified Bobby Brown as a player on the "hot seat" for the 2026 season, citing a lack of range and struggles with block execution. The addition of Hunter could put Brown, who is on a three-year deal, in danger of being released.
