Panthers NFL Draft 2026: Carolina selects Will Lee III with the 129th overall pick

Oct 11, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies cornerback Will Lee III (4) defends in coverage during the second half against the Florida Gators at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

With the 129th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft the Carolina Panthers have selected Will Lee III.

Accolades

• Consistent ball production (28 pass deflections in past 3 seasons)
• 12 and 13 starts in last two seasons

Bottom line

Lee provides a back-up option behind current starters Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. He fits the size profile the team has gravitated towards under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.

Strengths

• Lengthy with skills to handle press man
• Triggers downfield on underneath passes very well

Weaknesses

• Notable amount of penalties; 6 holding and PI calls in 2025
• Play strength is not ideal

The Blanket@budlight | #NFLDRAFTpic.twitter.com/Pqy0DALual

- Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 25, 2026

How do you feel about the newest Carolina Panthers? Let us know in the comments below.