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Panthers (somehow) take big drop in post-NFL draft power rankings
TL;DR
The Carolina Panthers dropped from No. 13 to No. 18 in *The Athletic*'s power rankings despite a praised 2026 NFL Draft class. The reasons for this decline remain unclear.
Key points
- Carolina Panthers dropped from No. 13 to No. 18 in power rankings
- Panthers had a praised 2026 NFL Draft class
- Key draft picks included Monroe Freeling and Lee Hunter
2026 NFL DraftCarolina PanthersMonroe FreelingLee Hunter
Well, the Carolina Panthers can't please everybody.
Your reigning NFC South champions came out of this weekend with one of the league's most critically acclaimed 2026 NFL Draft classes. General manager Dan Morgan and company were widely praised for the work they did in this year's selection processâwhich yielded the likes of Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling, Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter and Tennessee wideout Chris Brazzell II.
Yet, the Panthers took quite a tumble in The Athletic's latest set of power rankings, going from No. 13 all the way down to No. 18. The explanation for their drop was not made clear, but Josh Kendallâthe publication's senior writer for the Atlanta Falconsâdid give Carolina some props for their fifth-round pick in center Sam Hecht:
Letâs face it: A fifth-round center isnât a sexy pick. But the free agent Carolina brought in at center, Luke Fortner, has started only 10 games in the last two years. Hecht doesnât have any elite traits, but he is the type of solid collegiate player who just keeps being solid in the NFL. He started 25 games over the last two seasons.
Along with Hecht, the third day of the draft left Carolina with Texas A&M cornerback Will Lee III, Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley and Miami of Ohio linebacker Jackson Kuwatch.
Q&A
Why did the Carolina Panthers drop in the power rankings after the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Panthers fell from No. 13 to No. 18 in the power rankings, but the specific reasons for this decline were not clearly explained.
Who were the key players selected by the Carolina Panthers in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Panthers drafted notable players including Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling, Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter, and Tennessee wideout Chris Brazzell II.
What did analysts say about the Panthers' fifth-round pick, Sam Hecht?
Analysts acknowledged that while Sam Hecht, a fifth-round center, may not be a flashy pick, he is considered a solid collegiate player with experience, having started 25 games over the last two seasons.