The Carolina Panthers' second-round draft pick, nose guard Lee Hunter, made an unforgettable first impression at the team's rookie minicamp—and he did it with plenty of noise.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — From the moment the go-call echoed across the practice fields behind Bank of America Stadium, Hunter brought the energy. Shouting, howling, and grunting through every defensive line drill, the former Texas Tech standout was impossible to ignore during the two-day camp that wrapped up Saturday.
Hunter's vocal presence didn't go unnoticed by his new teammates. After Saturday's practice, third-round rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell II was quick to single out the 6-foot-4, 330-pound defensive lineman when asked who impressed him most.
"Hunter. Hunter's big. Hunter's a big 'ol dude," Brazzell said. "I see why ya'll got him in the second."
Panthers general manager Dan Morgan clearly saw something special when he traded up to select Hunter with the 49th overall pick on April 24. The scouting department had been tracking Hunter since his dominant Senior Bowl performance in January, where he consistently overpowered opponents—though he met his match against fellow rookie and fifth-round pick Sam Hecht, the former Kansas State center.
Hunter's college production speaks volumes. He ranked in the 93rd percentile in run stop rate last season, and among defensive tackles since 2023, he leads the nation in tackles (146), run stops (81), and tackles for loss or no gain (38)—all while playing at least 500 snaps per season.
Morgan envisions Hunter anchoring the front of Carolina's 3-4 base defense alongside defensive end Derrick Brown. A third-team All-American last season, Hunter has proven his durability with 500-plus snaps in each of the past three campaigns, including two at Central Florida.
But it's Hunter's infectious energy that has already made him a locker room favorite. During his NFL practice debut, he balanced fierce intensity with an unmistakable joy for the game.
"I just like to have fun," Hunter said after Friday's session. "I like to juice myself up."
If his rookie minicamp performance is any indication, Panthers fans have plenty to be excited about—and plenty to hear from their new defensive anchor.