The Carolina Panthers clearly improved their roster from last week’s NFL draft.
Top pick Monroe Freeling will improve the Panthers offensive line immediately. He comes to Charlotte from the University of Georgia and was the Bulldogs best offensive tackle. He is still only 21 years old and the Panthers feel he will only get bigger and better.
Lee Hunter will immediately help Carolina’s defense stop the run. He graded out as one of the top 12 defensive tackles in the nation against the run. Hunter also possesses pass rushing skills. He was an absolute force at Texas Tech last year and at UCF the three seasons prior. The Panthers found an excellent run-stopper on Day 2 with what many consider their best pick of the draft.
Brazzell is a vertical receiver who is capable of posting 100 yard receiving games due to his speed and jumping ability. Brazzell’s explosive speed, catch radius and reliable hands were easily worth taking a chance on in round three.
Sam Hecht may step right in at center. Across 759 snaps, he allowed just seven pressures, with zero sacks and zero quarterback hits, and committed no penalties.
The Panthers added more depth to their defensive back room in cornerback Will Lee III and safety Zakee Wheatley, with Wheatley having a chance to start early or get playing time in defensive back-heavy sub packages.
Carolina got bigger and more physical from this year’s draft. This should help the franchise continue to improve upon a nice 2025 season. A return to the playoffs is not out of the question.
