Some NFL teams have the luxury of bringing their rookies along slowly, letting them develop at their own pace before thrusting them into a major role. But this season, like the last, the Carolina Panthers are not one of them.
2025's rookie class made a major impact across the board, and they have to hope for more of the same in 2026. Carolina's first-round pick, offensive lineman Monroe Freeling is being forced into a starting role at right tackle thanks to Taylor Moton's blood clot. The Panthers' third-round pick, wide receiver Chris Brazzell II was slated to join the starting rotation in the No. 3 role before he suffered a season-ending knee injury early on at training camp.
The Panthers' second-round pick in defensive tackle Lee Hunter will
also have a featured role, and may be in the starting lineup for the regular-season opener on Sunday. Mike Kaye at ESPN has the details on Carolina's plans for the former Texas Tech star:
The Panthers expect to use rookie nose tackle Lee Hunter in a prominent role. The rookie was named the starter between veterans Derrick Brown and Bobby Brown III on the unofficial depth chart Tuesday. When asked about the starting job Wednesday in the locker room, Hunter -- who says he is avoiding social media -- was unaware of his spot on the depth chart, saying he didn't know the team released one . . .
In college, Hunter established himself as a major force against the run. Starting in his second season at Central Florida through his final year at Texas Tech, Hunter racked up 31 tackles for a loss in 39 games. He also chipped in 6.0 sacks during that run as a starter.
Hunter's presence should do more than just help against the run—it should free up star Derrick Brown as a pass rusher. Brown, with Hunter at his side, could pick up where he left off in 2025—where he notched a career-high 5.0 sacks.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers expected to use rookie in 'prominent role' right away
