Panthers rookie DL Lee Hunter keeps repeating this word to describe his game

The Carolina Panthers have been getting rave reviews for their offseason work, especially the work they did in the 2026 NFL Draft.

While it's not immediately apparent where first-round pick Monroe Freeling will play, there is no such confusion about the role or their next selection—Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter.

Hunter's Relative Athleic Score was just 3.72. However, he has more than enough size, power and "heavy hands" to do what the Panthers need him to do—line up next to superstar tackle Derrick Brown and plug up the run. Like Freeling, Hunter also comes with what sounds like a genuine killer instinct.

Head coach Dave Canales recently told The Athletic that he keeps describing his game by using one word—violent.

"When you’re an interior defensive lineman, it all starts with violence. That’s one thing that he kind of characterized himself (as),” Canales said. “What’s your play style? ‘Violence.’ And (he) repeatedly said violence. Just the way that he’s disruptive and explosive at the line of scrimmage.”

Hunter gives the Panthers the partner in crime inside for Brown. He should act as a force-multiplier for a defensive line unit that's been a one-man show for too long.

Between three years at UCF and one at Texas Tech, Hunter racked up 32 tackles for a loss in 52 games to go with 7.5 sacks. It doesn't take long for Hunter's traits to pop off the tape, either . . .

Hunter's violence and other attributes should help bring Carolina's defense to the next level, and it's already being described as a top-10 unit going into 2026.