Panthers rookie DL Lee Hunter keeps repeating this word to describe his game
When describing his game, Panthers second-round pick Lee Hunter refers back to one word.
The Carolina Panthers have been getting rave reviews for their offseason work, especially the work they did in the 2026 NFL Draft. While it's not immediately apparent where first-round pick Monroe Freeling will play, there is no such confusion about the role or their next selection—Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter. Hunter's Relative Athleic Score was just 3.
72. However, he has more than enough size, power and "heavy hands" to do what the Panthers need him to do—line up next to superstar tackle Derrick Brown and plug up the run. Like Freeling, Hunter also comes with what sounds like a genuine killer instinct.
Head coach Dave Canales recently told The Athletic that he keeps describing his game by using one word—violent. "When you’re an interior defensive lineman, it all starts with violence. That’s one thing that he kind of characterized himself (as),” Canales said.
“What’s your play style? ‘Violence. ’ And (he) repeatedly said violence.