Carolina Panthers add bulk, speed on Day 2 of NFL Draft 

TEXAS TECH ATHLETICS

The Carolina Panthers drafted former Texas Tech nose tackle Lee Hunter in the second round to add a run-stopper on the defensive line.

Bulk and speed.  

That’s the direction Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan went during Day 2 of the NFL Draft. In the second round, Carolina selected Texas Tech nose guard Lee Hunter. In the third, Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II – a fan of former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton since he was in third grade – received the call. 

“It’s a dream come true,” Brazzell said via teleconference Friday. 

Panthers bulk up DL in second round  

The Panthers needed to do something about their run defense.  

In 2024, the first season of the Morgan-Dave Canales era, Carolina yielded an all-time single-season record 534 points. The unit surrendered the league’s most total yards per game (404.5) and 59 offensive touchdowns.  

One of the most consistent problems, though, has been an inability to stifle opponents’ run game. Two seasons ago, they finished with an NFL-high 179.8 yards per game and in each of their final six games, surrendered at least 200 yards rushing.   

Last year, while backing into the NFC South title with an 8-9 record, a healthier unit placed 16th in total defense, allowing 327.2 yards per game.  

TENNESSEE ATHLETICS

Carolina picked former Tennessee receiver Chris Brazzell, who runs the 40-yard dash in 4.34 seconds, in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

To address the situation, Morgan traded picks Nos. 51 and 159 for the right to move up two spots and draft the 6-foot-4, 318-pound Hunter. The Panthers also received pick No. 196.  
Hunter revealed the attitude he’s bringing to rookie minicamp, which is set for May 8-10.  

“I’m ready to run through a (expletive) brick wall for them,” he said.  

Since 2023, PFF ranked Hunter first among defensive tackles with 146 total tackles, 38 tackles for loss or no gain and 81 run stops. He was also second with 75 quarterback pressures.  

Nicknamed “The Fridge,” Hunter was asked what his moniker means to him: “If people want to eat, they gotta get you.” 

Carolina adds playmaker at WR

Morgan went for athleticism with the 83rd overall pick. 

Canales expects Brazzell, a 6-4, 198-pounder who was clocked at 4.34-seconds in the 40-yard dash, to create mismatches for quarterback Bryce Young. 

With Brazzell, 2025 rookie of the year Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker and 2024 first-rounder Xavier Legette, Canales raved about Carolina’s versatility – and potential. 

“His vertical speed was one thing I was so impressed with,” Canales told reporters Friday. “His acrobatic body balance was something I fell in love with. Now we got a guy who’s really tall and fast.” 

The draft concludes with rounds 4-7 Saturday.  

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