With the 2026 NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, we have reached what we affectionately call "Rankings Season." During this stretch, from the end of April to the beginning of training camp at the end of July, analysts will rank players, position groups and teams compared to the rest of the NFL . . . ad nauseam.
Since nothing actually happens during this run, there's nothing to do but embrace it. So, let's see how the Carolina Panthers' draft class is being received.
According to The Athletic, the Panthers have the 13th best class in the league this year.
They singled out offensive tackle and first-round pick Monroe Freeling as their favorite pick, and fifth-round center Sam Hecht as a Day 3 pick who could surprise. Noted draft analyst Dane Brugler writes:
Carolina brought in Luke Fortner to replace Cade Mays at center, but it won’t be a surprise if Hecht makes a serious push for the top spot on the depth chart. Zakee Wheatley should challenge for playing time in the secondary, too.
Eventuallym we may see Freeling starting at left tackle and Hecht at center. For now, Rasheed Walker and Luke Fortner are projected to start at those spots come Week 1.
The x-factor for this class in 2026 may be the team's second and third-round picks—Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter and Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II.
Defensively, the addition of Hunter should help free up Pro Bowler Derrick Brown and act as a force multiplier for a unit that has been below average for nearly a decade. Offensively, the Panthers should get a similar dynamic from Brazzell, who will help complement 2025 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan and give quarterback Bryce Young another option to target.
If those two picks hit the ground running, it should give Carolina a big boost as they face a first-place schedule that could prove very challenging.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: The Athletic ranks the Carolina Panthers' class