What Texas Tech's Lee Hunter said after Panthers took him in 2026 NFL Draft

Lee Hunter didn't have any reservations about which team would take him in the 2026 NFL Draft. The now-former Texas Tech football standout isn't complaining about his landing spot with the Carolina Panthers.

"When they took me I was very excited," Hunter said. "It's the place I wanted to be and I'm glad to be a Panther."

The Panthers took Hunter in the second round with the 49th overall pick. He was the third Texas Tech defender to come off the board along with David Bailey (No. 2 to the Jets) and Jacob Rodriguez (No. 43 to the Dolphins).

Hunter spent one year at Texas Tech after previous stops at Auburn and UCF. With the Red Raiders, Hunter turned into an All-American, earning second-team honors from USA TODAY and the Football Writers Association of America and a third-team selection by The Associated Press.

In his lone campaign with the Red Raiders, Hunter racked up 42 tackles, 11 coming for a loss of yardage, and 3 sacks anchoring the line of one of the nation's top defenses.

Texas Tech's Lee Hunter prepares to play defense against BYU during a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 8, at Jones AT&T Stadium.

Hunter is a noted fan of current Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown. During his post-draft media availability, Hunter said he has already spoken with Brown, who told him "to be ready to work and let's get it." Hunter said he respects Brown's game for how well he tackles outside of the tackle box.