Dan Morgan opened the second day of the 2026 NFL Draft focused on solidifying the interior of his defensive line. general manager made his move, . Despite being the lone member of the Panthers' draft cla s who did not sign his rookie contract before last week's rookie minicamp, during his two-day introduction to profe sional football. Under the league's current labor deal, second-rounders generally have the most negotiating leverage. Last season's second-rounder, Nic Scourton, didn't sign until July 19 before the start of training camp. Hunter obviously decided to get the busine s out of the way. Panthers lock up NT Lee Hunter, rookie cla s Hunter and , selected in the third round, during the individual drills at the practice fields behind Joseph Woll Jersey Bank of America Stadium last Friday and Saturday. "When you're an interior defensive lineman, it all starts with violence," . "That's one thing that he kind of characterized himself (as). What's your play style? Violence. And he repeatedly said violence. Just the way that he's disruptive and explosive at the line of scrimmage. Hunter collected 7.5 sacks and 32 tackles for lo s during three college seasons with Central Florida and Texas Tech. At 6-foot-3, 318 pounds, Hunter graded out as one of the nation's top run defenders. The 49th overall draft pickjoined Derrick Brown, Bobby Brown III, Tershawn Wharton, LaBryan Ray, Jared Harrison-Hunte and 2025 draft pick Cam Jackson in the defensive line room. Undrafted free agents Aaron Hall and Parker Petersen are also listed on the 91-man offseason roster. Bobby Brown enters the offseason training activities (OTAs) as the leader to start inside of Derrick Brown and Wharton. The Panthers open OTAs with practices on May 26, 27 and 29. Could into an expanded rotational role before the against the visiting on Sept. 13? Mike Walton Jersey