Grading The Day 3 Picks: Carolina rounds out the 2026 class with high upside players in the secondary plus a long-term center
The Carolina Panthers finalized the 2026 NFL Draft class on Saturday with four selections that came at really strong values while adding more competition at key positions.
Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan rounded out the 2026 Draft class on Day 3 with four more additions joining the roster with one consistent theme.
Morgan landed absolute great values in this draft compared to the consensus board. That continued on Day 3 with the selections of Will Lee III, Sam Hecht, Zakee Wheatley.
This was a really impressive haul to close out the draft by Morgan and the Panthers. Let’s break down the four Day 3 selections some more.
Panthers slide back in the fourth-round and still land a solid CB in Will Lee III at pick No. 129
Dan Morgan wheeled and dealed twice in the fourth-round of the draft and eventually landed on cornerback Will Lee III with the 129th overall pick. After the second trade back, the Chicago Bears drafted Texas CB Malik Muhammad 124th overall. I wonder if that was Morgan’s preferred target to play the nickel. In Lee, the Panthers still land a long and explosive athlete to be an in-house candidate to eventually replace Mike Jackson.
“Lee’s size is perfect to be an outside corner in the NFL at 6-2. He tested well as an explosive athlete, with a 42” vertical and an 11’ broad jump. His 40-yard dash coming in at a 4.52 may not excite people, but I think he looks plenty twitchy enough on film not to be concerned about speed. I honestly thought he’d run in the high 4.4’s, which isn’t far off. Strong press man corner that loves to get his hands on a wide receiver at the line of scrimmage.”
Grade: B-
Sam Hecht gives the Panthers a top-ranked center to take over for years to come
The Panthers signed Luke Fortner in free agency to give the team a veteran center after losing Cade Mays. However, Sam Hecht projects to be the team’s long-term answer in the middle of the offensive front after being selected 144th overall.
“One of the most pro-ready centers in the class. Hecht’s pass-blocking abilities are crystal clear. Allowed zero sacks and only two QB hits in over 800 pass-blocking reps. His technique matched his production. Cerebral leader on the interior who plays a calm game. He could cultivate more mass on his frame at the next level. Agilities were a weakness at times against explosive defensive tackles or blitzing linebackers.”
Grade: A
Zakee Wheatley gives the Panthers the long-awaited safety addition to round out the secondary
The Panthers were rumored to land a safety in the first-round such as Dillon Thieneman. Instead, Carolina waits until pick No. 151 in the fifth-round to attack the position by drafting Penn State’s Zakee Wheatley.
“Wheatley is one of the most physical defensive backs in this class. He used all of his larger 6-3 frame to his advantage and, as a result, has some highlight-reel run-stops throughout his film. He also has a solid comfort level when asked to play zone coverage. On the flip side, his lack of long speed hurts his ability to play man.
His best role in the NFL will likely be as a box safety. He will shine when asked to sniff out screens and stop the run. The less often he’s asked to blanket a tight end or running back, the better. But he can still be an asset in the passing game due to his instincts and being able to position himself well in his zone. That will at least make life harder on a quarterback.”
Grade: B+
Dan Morgan finally lands another LB in Jackson Kuwatch in the seventh-round
After maneuvering the board on Day 3, Dan Morgan’s final selection of the draft came at the linebacker position drafting Jackson Kuwatch 227th overall. Kuwatch had a breakout season in 2025 totaling over 100 tackles and five sacks. He’s the kind of player that can turn heads in training camp and be a real surprise selection.
Grade: B
