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Grading Each Panthers' Rookie So Far as Carolina Enjoys Week 5 Bye
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- Grading Each Panthers' Rookie So Far as Carolina Enjoys Week 5 Bye
The Carolina Panthers drafted several intriguing players in 2026. Unfortunately, pretty much all of those players have had some real ups and downs already in their careers.
At the beginning of training camp, third-round wide receiver Chris Brazzell suffered a season-ending injury . Then, first-round offensive lineman Monroe Freeling was thrust into action as a starter due to Taylor Moton dealing with blood clots.
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Second-round defensive lineman Lee Hunter was expected to be an instant contributor , but instead, he's been overshadowed by an undrafted free agent. It's the later-round picks who have actually been the most impressive.
Now, let's give each rookie a grade based on how they performed in the first quarter of the season.
Round 1: OL Monroe Freeling
Aug 21, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers tackle Monroe Freeling (57) during the first quarter of the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
The original plan was to ease Freeling into a starting role, but the team was forced to start him due to Moton's issues. I don't want to be too harsh on Freeling, because he wasn't put in an easy situation.
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But Freeling simply hasn't been good enough. The rookie has allowed 15 pressures and two sacks already, while being penalized three times. PFF gives Freeling a 57.9 overall grade, which ranks 56th out of 69 qualified tackles.
Freeling could be very good one day, but he's not good enough right now.
Grade: D
Round 2: DL Lee Hunter
Lee Hunter is probably the most disappointing rookie on the team so far. The Panthers needed Hunter to contribute immediately, but instead, he's been wildly inconsistent and downright bad against the run.
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Hunter has 11 tackles and four pressures. The rookie has yet to pick up a sack or tackle for loss, but his grade is saved by the fact that he's been a solid pass rusher.
Grade: D
Round 4: CB Will Lee III
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) runs against Carolina Panthers safety Zakee Wheatley (20), right, and cornerback Will Lee III (24) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Will Lee III has had a rollercoaster few months. The rookie was getting some reps as a starter over the summer, but then he had some bad moments in the preseason and fell down the depth chart.
Thanks to injuries, though, Lee is now playing a large role again. The rookie has responded, as he's fifth on the team with 18 tackles, and also has four pass breakups and a fumble recovery. Lee has earned a solid 60.1 PFF grade , which ranks 49th out of 103 qualified corners.
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Lee is already turning into a solid rotational player.
Grade: B
Round 5: OL Sam Hecht
Sam Hecht hasn't gotten many chances yet, but he could soon. Luke Fortner is starting at center, and he's been one of the worst centers in the league . Fortner has a pass-blocking grade of just 38.9.
It's hard to grade Hecht since we've seen so little, so he'll get a grade right in the middle.
Grade: C
Round 5: DB Zakee Wheatley
Aug 4, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers safety Zakee Wheatley (38) on the way to the practice field at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Zakee Wheatley and Will Lee III have had similar trajectories. They're both mid-round rookies who had starter buzz, then got bumped down the depth chart, and now rising back up and making plays.
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Wheatley has 14 tackles and one forced fumble so far. The rookie has an elite 82.6 PFF grade , which ranks 3rd out of 93 safeties. It's easy to get excited about Wheatley as the future starting safety next to Tre'von Moehrig.
Grade: A
Round 7: LB Jackson Kuwatch
Jackson Kuwatch was drafted to be a special teams ace, and that's what he's been so far. The rookie has six tackles so far and could end up being a core special teamer in the years to come.
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Grade: C
UDFA: DL Aaron Hall
Sep 27, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (10) carries the ball defended by Carolina Panthers safety Tre'von Moehrig (7), cornerback Akayleb Evans (29) and defensive tackle Aaron Hall (94) during the second quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Aaron Hall is already a great success story. The undrafted free agent scratched and clawed his way onto the roster, and he's played just as often as Lee Hunter has, and been better.
Hall has 10 tackles, one tackle for loss, and seven total pressures already. PFF gives the rookie a solid 68.3 grade , which ranks 32nd out of 129 qualified linemen. Hall is not only good enough to be on a roster, but he's also good enough to be a reliable contributor.
Grade: A+
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Oct 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
