For the second year running, the Carolina Panthers are earning rave reviews for their work in the NFL draft—and this time, it's not just about the players they picked, but the vision behind it all.
In a recent survey by The Athletic, reporter Mike Sando polled anonymous NFL executives to get their honest takes on each team's draft strategy. When it came to the Panthers, one exec was particularly impressed with the big-picture thinking in Carolina.
"I feel like they are drafting for what they want their team to look like," the exec said. "They are trying to win on both lines of scrimmage. They want to run the ball. They want to give the quarterback some big receivers so he can manage it. You can see what they are trying to do."
That clarity of purpose stood out, especially with the Panthers' aggressive move to trade up in the second round for Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter. Another executive broke down why the pick made so much sense.
"Lee Hunter can play all the interior positions," the exec noted. "He doesn't have length, but he can play nose, he can play 3-technique, he can play 4i. And there's upside with him because he can rush the passer a little bit."
Hunter's versatility should be a major asset alongside Pro Bowler Derrick Brown. By taking on more interior duties, Hunter can help free up Brown to make even bigger plays—whether it's stuffing the run or collapsing the pocket. For a team looking to win in the trenches, that's exactly the kind of complementary piece they needed.
Meanwhile, the Panthers' first-round pick, Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling, represents a longer-term investment. While his immediate role isn't fully defined yet, the willingness to take a patient approach with a talented tackle signals that Carolina is building for sustained success, not just a one-year window.
Assuming the injury bug doesn't hit hard, the Panthers are shaping up to be competitive again this season. And with another strong draft class on the horizon in 2026—plus continued development from quarterback Bryce Young—they're positioning themselves to defend their first NFC South title in a decade.