New Panthers DT Lee Hunter is nicknamed ‘The Fridge’ because he’s built like one

Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter (DL15) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Panthers selected a massive defensive tackle with a 6’9 wingspan at No. 51. Lee Hunter out of Texas Tech is heading to Carolina.

Here’s what you need to know.

Stats & Accolades

• 2022: (13 games played), 17 total tackles, tackle for loss, sack
• 2023: (13 games played, 13 starts), 69 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, three sacks, pass defended
• 2024: (12 games played, 10 starts), 45 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, sack, Second-Team All-Big 12
• 2025: (14 games played, 14 starts), 41 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, forced fumble, First-Team All-American, First-Team All-Big 12

What the Panthers are getting:

Nicknamed “The Fridge” after his coach said “if the opponent wants to eat, they have to go through you first.” Rightfully so as Hunter is built like the largest of kitchen appliances and most likely played bigger than his 318 pounds he recorded at the NFL Combine. He’s a ready-made two-gapper in the middle of odd and even fronts and has a surprising sixth sense of how to elude blockers and get into the backfield swiftly. If you want to get bigger and badder in the middle right away, Hunter is that guy.

Strengths

• Elite length with a 6’9 wingspan
• Notable footwork to sift through garbage in the middle of the trenches
• Can win with powerful bull rush if pocket pushing is needed
• Powerful upper body helps shake off and toss

Weakness