Carolina Panthers rookie Will Lee III’s ‘Blanket’ statement 

CASSIE BAKER | CAROLINA PANTHERS

Carolina Panthers rookie Will Lee III is getting time with the first-team defense while starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn (foot) and Mike Jackson (back) recover from injuries.

Wrapping up the second day of training camp with a two-minute drill, the Carolina Panthers’ No. 1 offense was driving against the top defense. 

“We needed a touchdown,” coach Dave Canales said. “We were somewhere around 25 (or) 30-yard line ... knocking on the door.”

On fourth down, rookie cornerback Will Lee III lined up against receiver Xavier Legette. Bryce Young called for a sideline route and after receiving the snap from new center Luke Fortner, the quarterback delivered a pass that Lee anticipated, learning from a similar play about five minutes earlier. 

A fourth-round pick in April’s draft, Lee jumped the route for his first professional interception. He rose and unleashed a celebratory punt. 

“He made the play of the day,” Canales said. “It’s fun to see.”

Gaining NFL experience 

Lee grinned after practice when asked about the interception. 

“It feels good,” he said. “That was my first pick of practice. Second day in the camp, getting a pick, starting it off early.  It really helps build that confidence.” 

At the start of training camp, the Panthers need confident cornerbacks with starters Jaycee Horn (foot) and Mike Jackson (back) sidelined. While both are expected to participate in the preseason-opening Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 6, Canales anticipates backups gaining experience from extended training camp runs. 

Lee and sophomores Chau Smith-Wade and Corey Thornton were elevated to the first team Friday and showed Canales they competed with “a lot of confidence learning the scheme.” 

Lee may have ended the practice with a career highlight, but earlier, the former Texas A&M standout nicknamed “The Blanket” experienced a lowlight after getting beaten on a deep pass by Chris Brazzell II. Lee, who was covering Brazzell tight, absorbed a left-shoulder bump that opened space for the receiver to catch Young’s pass. 

“Iron sharpens iron,” Lee said. “I was really leaning on him. I was in good position, but it was a better ball for Bryce and a great catch by (Brazzell). Just seeing two guys go out there and compete is good to see.” 

While pointing to Lee’s practice-ending pick, Canales also credited the rookie for rebounding from the earlier setback. 

“He got beat on a deep one,” he said. “What I love, he bounced back.”

After prolonged struggles – and two seasons removed from yielding an all-time league high 534 points – the new-look defense is projected to play a key role in the Panthers drive to repeating as NFC South champions. 

‘Cornerback room is great’ 

In his short time in the cornerback room, Lee continues to absorb the insights of Horn and Jackson, regarded as one of the league’s top duos. Horn earned a 2025 Pro Bowl berth and Jackson, entering a contract year, tied for the league lead with 19 passes defended. 

“The cornerback room is great,” Lee said. “Having guys like Jaycee and Mike Jack in there to really feed off of is really great. You've got two real good veterans that really know how to get it done and dominate in the South. 

“That was our key thing, win the South.” 

Lee is confident the Panthers can repeat despite outside linebacker Nic Scourton (knee) suffering a season-ending injury during the camp-opening session. The injury to his former college teammate hit Lee hard. 

“It’s real sad to see Nick go down,” he said. “That’s my buddy. That’s my dog. Seeing him go down was real tough, but I talked to him in the locker room. He said he’s gonna be good. Minor setback for a major comeback. We can’t wait to get him back next year.” 

Until then, Lee continues to focus on taking advantage of his opportunities. 

“You want to go out there and just be consistent for the vets,” he said. “You want to build that trust for them, make them understand that you want to go out here and work and it means as much to you as it does to them.” 

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