The Carolina Panthers moved up two spots in the second round of the NFL Draft to select Texas Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter.
At the NFL combine Hunter measured 6’3½” and 318 pounds, recording a 5.18-second 40-yard dash, a 1.79-second 10-yard split, and an 8’4″ broad jump. He was named to the AP All-America Second Team FWAA (2025), All-America Second Team (2025, Sr.), USA TODAY Sports CFB All-America Second Team (2025, Sr.), Sporting Illustrated All-American: Second Team (2025, Sr.), The Athletic All-America First Team (2025, Sr.), CBS Sports College Football All-America Second Team (2025, Sr.) and PFF All-Big 12 Team.
The Mobile, Alabama native started in all 14 games at nose guard at Texas Texh, finishing with 41 tackles (16 solo), including 10.5 for a loss and 2.5 sacks. He led all interior defensive linemen on the team for tackles, was fourth overall in tackles for loss and added three quarterback hurries and a forced fumble.
