Carolina Panthers draft Lee Hunter, DT from Texas Tech, with No. 49 pick in 2026 NFL Draft
AFC EastBillsDolphinsJetsPatriotsAFC NorthBengalsBrownsRavensSteelersAFC SouthColtsJaguarsTexansTitansAFC WestBroncosChargersChiefsRaidersNFC EastCommandersCowboysEaglesGiantsNFC NorthBearsLionsPackersVikingsNFC SouthBuccaneersFalconsPanthersSaintsNFC West49ersCardinalsRamsSeahawksScores & ScheduleStandingsFantasyNFL OddsNFL PicksNFL DraftPodcastsScoop City NewsletterNFL Draft UpdatesRound 1 GradesPicks TrackerBest AvailableThe BeastTop 300 Rankings2026 NFL Draft Lee Hunter's presence in the middle of Texas Tech's defense powered one of the nation’s top units. Icon Sportswire / Getty Images Share articleThe Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Carolina Panthers selected Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the 49th pick. The Panthers traded up to No. 49 with the Minnesota Vikings, also receiving the 196th selection and giving up their picks at No. 51 and No. 159. Hunter anchored the interior of Texas Tech’s defensive front, emerging as a first-team All-American in 2025. His presence in the middle powered one of the nation’s top defenses, as the Red Raiders led the country in defensive stop rate, ranked second in total defense and finished No. 5 overall. The 23-year-old Hunter, who is 6-foot-3 and 318 pounds, was a force up front, earning All-Big 12 honors twice while totaling 17 tackles for loss across 24 games over the past two seasons. With Hunter setting the tone in the trenches, Texas Tech reached the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history. He delivered on that stage as well, finishing with seven tackles and two tackles for loss against Oregon. Hunter ranked No. 55 in Dane Brugler’s top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide: “With light feet for a big guy, Hunter offers a balanced blend of strength, length and movements. He can post up on run downs and shut down A-gaps, while also flashing the lateral range to make more plays away from his square than your average nose. He is naturally strong, although high pads and a narrow base can take away from his power supply. He is limited on passing downs and is more of a slow-burn pocket pusher than a man with a plan. “Hunter doesn’t have the pass-rush skill set to consistently impact the quarterback, 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.” Strong and instinctive as a run defender, but limited on passing downs. Come back later for more analysis of Hunter. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports termsالمصدر: The Athletic | Source: The Athletic
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