The Carolina Panthers are dealing with some injury issues on their defensive front seven. Nic Scourton and Tershawn Wharton are long-term absentees, while veteran edge rusher Patrick Jones II will be missing in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears after his back issue flared up again.
Others have to step up. And for rookie second-round pick Lee Hunter, the Panthers gave him a big vote of confidence before his first taste of NFL action in the regular season.
Carolina's depth chart for Week 1 listed Hunter as the starting nose tackle on Ejiro Evero's 3-4 defensive front. The Panthers also have second-year lineman Cam Jackson capable of filling the void, but it seems as if the former Texas Tech star will get the opening chance to make the position his own.
Lee Hunter got a big confidence boost from the Carolina Panthers before Week 1
Depth charts don't mean much. People probably read too much into them. Hunter didn't even know he was listed as the No. 1 nose tackle until he was asked about it by ESPN beat reporter Mike Kaye, so it's not something the players pay much attention to.
Broke some news to #Panthers DT Lee Hunter today. He was unaware he was listed as a starter on the unofficial depth chart yesterday. pic.twitter.com/zd3ySrnLWZ
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) September 9, 2026
At the same time, the Panthers aren't exactly blessed with viable depth options in the trenches.
Head coach Dave Canales acknowledged that Hunter was being thrown into the fire perhaps earlier than expected. But he still expects high standards as the player embarks on the first real test of his NFL journey.
And he must deliver.
The Panthers were extremely high on Hunter during their comprehensive pre-draft assessments. When they got the opportunity to secure his services, general manager Dan Morgan didn't hesitate. He went up to No. 49 overall, and it was clear from early on that the first-year pro was going to bring much more than brute force.
Now, he gets the chance to prove it in the regular-season pressure cooker.
He isn't going to play every snap. Jackson's flashes last season and in the summer deserve a look, but the Panthers will likely start with the rookie to see how he fares.
Hunter will have a strong support system. Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown and Bobby Brown III will be alongside him on the front. Big-money signing Jaelan Phillips is an experienced presence on the edge, and the linebacking duo of Devin Lloyd and Bobby Okereke will be right behind him at the second level.
Everything is in position for Hunter. But it will not be easy.
The Bears offensive line improved a lot last season. Joe Thuney remains a formidable presence to overcome on the interior, so Hunter will have his hands full whenever he is on the field.
And even though it's only a depth chart standing before Week 1, the Panthers clearly believe that Hunter has earned the right to become an important factor right out of the gate.
Even if it's almost by default, that still matters.
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