The Carolina Panthers seemed to take a step forward in the 2026 NFL Draft, including a big weapon for quarterback Bryce Young. And here are the Panthers’ draft grades for every pick.
They had to wait until the middle part of the first round, but they struck a good note and added more later. So let’s take a look at their picks.
Round 1, Pick 19: T Monroe Freeling, Georgia
If you’re going to protect a little dude like Young, you need big tackles. Freeling is 6-foot-8 and 315 pounds. That works. He’s projected as an eventual plus starter, according to NFL.com.
“Freeling offers coveted length and athleticism at right tackle,” Lance Zierlein wrote. “With only one season as a full-time starter, filling out his frame and improving his technique should be early priorities. His quickness brings first-phase positioning advantages, but he needs more play strength to carry that over to block sustain and finish.”
He’s an upgrade the Panthers need, according to ESPN.
“The Panthers’ offensive line had issues in 2025, ranking 23rd in pass block win rate, 28th in run block win rate, and 29th in pressure rate allowed,” ESPN’s staff wrote. “Freeling tested as one of the most physically gifted offensive linemen at the Combine.”
A stat of note: Freeling had the fewest penalties of any SEC offensive lineman with at least 1,500 offensive snaps since 2023.
Grade: A+
Round 2, Pick 49: DI Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
After addressing the offensive line, the Panthers dug into the defensive trenches. At 6-3 and 318 pounds, Hunter is a space eater. His improvement across his college career made a difference, according to Pro Football Focus.
“Hunter showed steady improvement across four seasons, culminating in a career-best 80.9 PFF grade in 2025,” PFF wrote. “He earned an 84.5 run-defense grade, 12th among FBS interior defenders, finishing in the 96th percentile in run-stop rate. His pass-rush profile was solid but unspectacular, generating 26 pressures and a 72.1 grade, with above-average marks in both overall and true pass-rush situations.”
However, he may not get to the quarterback, according to The Athletic.
“Hunter doesn’t have the pass-rush skill set to consistently impact the quarterback,” Dane Brugler wrote. “But he is instinctive as a run defender and has heavy hands to make stops at the line of scrimmage. He projects as a scheme-diverse, two-gapping nose.”
Grade: B+
Round 3, Pick 83: WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
The steal of the draft. Paired with Tetarioa McMillan, Brazzell will be a touchdown maker for the Panthers in 2026. It wouldn’t be a shock for him to get eight or more. He may not be a high-volume guy, but he doesn’t have to be in this offense.
He just needs to make the big plays. And he’s suited for that, according to ESPN.
“The 6-foot-4 wideout will give Bryce Young a long, big-striding pass catcher with awesome speed (4.37) to open things up down the field,” Matt Miller wrote. “And although Young isn’t known for his arm strength and ability to push the ball with velocity, his deep-ball arc and touch were some of his best traits at Alabama. Now he has two towers at wide receiver in McMillan and Brazzell to return to that style of play.”
There is some caution, according to The Athletic.
“Brazzell still has a long way to go before becoming a complete receiver,” Brugler wrote. “But he is a long-striding athlete and dangerous vertical threat with surprising savvy for his size. He has the talent to become a team’s No. 2 or No. 3 option.”
Grade: A+
Round 4, Pick 129: CB Will Lee III, Texas A&M
It’s always good to find real defensive help in the fourth round. And that’s what Lee should bring to the Panthers, according to PFF.
“Lee offers an intriguing developmental profile, as his size, length, and leaping ability translate to strong ball skills,” PFF wrote. “He earned a 66.5 PFF grade in 2025 after a stronger 76.2 mark in 2023. And he recorded eight pass breakups in each of the past two seasons. His run defense, tackling, and penalty discipline remain areas for improvement, but the physical tools and ball production point to late-round value.”
Lee has starter potential, according to NFL.com.
“Boundary cornerback with good length and catch-disruption, but inconsistent instincts in coverage,” Zierlein wrote. “Lee is better in man coverage than he is in zone, but he can handle both. Pure speed can break away from him, so he’ll need help on the roof as a pro. He has the length and timing to make plays on the football.”
Grade: A-
Round 5, Pick 144: C Sam Hecht, Kansas State
This is another good slot for the Panthers. Hecht graded out as a third- or fourth-round pick, but lasted into the fifth round. And the Panthers, as Panthers are wont to do, pounced.
Hecht has a good idea of how to play the game, according to The Athletic.
“Hecht is a wide-bodied blocker with outstanding instincts and play strength to cover up his man,” Brugler wrote. “He is ‘good enough’ in most areas of the position to push for starting reps and offers depth at guard, despite having little experience there.
“More strong than powerful, he is quick to engage and sustains well with tight, stubborn hands. He offers range and movement ability to be effective on the move, though his feet get a tad heavy when redirecting to answer defensive pressure.”
Grade: A-
Round 5, Pick 151: S Zakee Wheatley, Penn State
Another player who simply dropped way too far. The Panthers probably snickered when he remained on the board this late into the draft. He has starter potential, according to NFL.com.
“Wheatley is a long, athletic safety whose career arc shows steady development,” Zierlein wrote. “He played with better decisiveness and route recognition from man and zone looks in 2025. He’s rangy with the ability to play over the top or close quickly to limit run-after-catch. Physicality near the line is average, but he competes and stays in the fight. His tackle radius is wide, but he needs cleaner pursuit angles and better play strength to limit missed tackles.”
One thing he needs to improve is his approach, according to ESPN.
“At times, he can get caught cheating with his eyes in the backfield, allowing receivers to get behind him, and he has difficulty recovering once beaten,” Scouts, Inc. wrote.
Grade: A-
Round 7, Pick 227: LB Jackson Kuwatch, Miami (OH)
Like everybody else, the Panthers are taking chances in this round. And Kuwatch fits that mold, for sure.
“The Ohio State transfer had 14 career tackles as a reserve before breaking out in 2025 with 109 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and five sacks in 14 starts,” ESPN staff wrote. “He reportedly ran a 4.64-second 40-yard dash at his pro day, a solid time at 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds.”
Grade: B-
The Panthers met needs and also made good picks late. Overall, this was an extremely positive draft.
Grade: A (with an A+ lean)
The post Panthers’ 2026 NFL Draft Grades For Every Pick appeared first on ClutchPoints.
