Panthers rookie stock report as training camp enters its critical phase

The Carolina Panthers have relied heavily on their youth movement under general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales' leadership. Now we've had a good look at the 2026 rookie class throughout the summer, how are they shaping up?

As always, there are some positives and negatives.

Some are developing quicker than expected, while others are taking a little extra time. The Panthers are a draft-and-develop program under this regime, but if they want to take the next step into legitimate contention, this team needs its first-year pros to make different contributions in their various roles.

Based on the reports coming out of Charlotte, here's how the 2026 rookie class is shaping up as training camp enters its next phase.

Carolina Panthers rookie updates at 2026 training camp

Aaron Hall, DL

Tershawn Wharton's neck injury, which required surgery, will keep him out for some of the regular season. LaBryan Ray opted to retire. That opens up a couple of spots on the defensive line depth chart, and even though Aaron Hall won't man one of the starting positions, a strong preseason could elevate the Duke product onto the 53-man roster.

Hall has good strength, violent hands, and knows how to get into the backfield. He's made a good start, and if he can maximize his preseason reps over the next three contests, the Panthers could take him through.

Verdict: Stock up

Haynes King, QB

After taking a little time to find his feet, quarterback Haynes King looked sharp during the week leading up to his preseason debut. The Georgia Tech product took things up a notch in the Pro Football Hall of Fame game, turning in an exceptional display that also included a game-winning touchdown run.

King's mobility needs no introduction. His poise in the pocket and ability to go through his progressions were much more surprising. Though the signal-caller is dealing with a hamstring injury, he may have already done enough to book his place on the squad.

Verdict: Stock up

Jackson Kuwatch, LB

While the Panthers should probably have taken a linebacker much earlier in the second round, given the lack of progress from Trevin Wallace this summer, Jackson Kuwatch is an intriguing development project. The Panthers are rightfully bringing him along gradually, but some impressive flashes in the preseason opener caught the eye.

Kuwatch is doing enough to make the team. While he may not impact the starting rotation, the speed and explosiveness could potentially make an impact on special teams.

Verdict: Stock slightly up

Zakee Wheatley, S

The Panthers thought enough of Zakee Wheatley to trade up and take the athletic safety in the fifth round. Carolina has enough in the room if he needs a little extra time to hone his skills. However, the Penn State product came alive against the Arizona Cardinals en route to a team-leading eight tackles.

Wheatley has the size, length, and athleticism required to excel in Ejiro Evero's defensive scheme. If he continues this trend in the coming weeks, it may lead the coaching staff to rethink his rookie role.

Verdict: Stock up

Sam Hecht, C

Most fans were expecting fifth-round pick Sam Hecht to compete with Luke Fortner for the starting center job. The Panthers thought the same, but the evidence from training camp suggests that the veteran is a clear frontrunner right now.

Hecht is taking longer than expected to pick things up. He must get stronger in his base to cope with powerful defensive linemen at the next level. There were a few outstanding reps versus Arizona during his first taste of live NFL action, but there is a significant amount of hard work ahead before the Kansas State product builds up enough trust to be included in the regular season.

Verdict: Stock down

Will Lee III, CB

Evero is exploring ways for Will Lee III to get on the field right out of the gate. The Panthers are looking to have Jaycee Horn spend more time in the slot, leaving the first-year cornerback as one of the boundary options opposite Mike Jackson Sr. That won't be on every play, but he'll likely get a chance to impress early.

It's been a mixed bag from Lee so far. He's had some nice moments, and he's also given up some big plays. That's to be expected from a Day 3 cornerback, but there has been a little more good than bad during his early transition.

Verdict: Stock neutral

Chris Brazzell II, WR

There was an enormous amount of intrigue around third-round wide receiver Chris Brazzell II. His size, large wingspan, and speed were set to bring a different dynamic to the offense, and his strong start over the offseason instantly propelled him into a key role.

Unfortunately, this momentum came screeching to an abrupt halt.

Brazzell suffered a torn LCL in the early stages of training camp. After a second opinion, he'll now have surgery that will keep him out for the entire campaign. It's a body blow to the player and the Panthers, but the former Tennessee playmaker should still have a productive career.

Verdict: Stock down

Lee Hunter, DL

It was clear from very early on that second-round defensive lineman Lee Hunter hadn't come just to make up the numbers. He wanted to impose himself through vibrant energy, hard work, and brute force. The Texas Tech product has achieved this objective, and at the very worst, he'll be a key rotational presence this season.

With Wharton out, Hunter could even start at the nose in Evero's 3-4 front. Cam Jackson is also staking a strong claim for that responsibility, so it'll be interesting to see what the defensive coordinator eventually goes with.

But either way, Hunter is displaying the physical tools needed to make his presence felt whenever regular-season reps come his way.

Verdict: Stock slightly up

Monroe Freeling, OT

Carolina lost the luxury of bringing first-round offensive tackle Monroe Freeling along gradually when Taylor Moton was placed on the non-football injury list with blood clots. He's expected to miss considerable time, and the Panthers were forced to switch the rookie to right tackle in the veteran's absence.

It's been a crash course for Freeling. The Panthers have given him a ton of work against relentless edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, and it's brought a positive response. The Georgia prospect has all the length and athleticism you need in a productive left tackle, so this is all about gaining a little extra experience.

Bigger tests are coming for Freeling, but all signs are pointing up so far.

Verdict: Stock up

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