Day 3 of the NFL draft saw several triangle players get their names called and the Carolina Panthers continued to add depth to their roster.
The Jaguars traded up with the Carolina Panthers to select Duke edge rusher Wesley Williams in the 4th round (119th overall). Williams had 11 career sacks and 7.5 in 2024. In the trade the Panthers got back 124 and 166 overall. The Jaguars also got back pick No. 196.
The Panthers first selection Saturday went cornerback Will Lee III out of Texas A&M at no. 129. At 6’1 Lee has length and had two interceptions as a junior and returned one for a touchdown.
In the 5th round the Panthers went back to the offensive line and took center Sam Hecht 144th out of Kansas State. Then at 151, the Panthers drafted safety Zakee Wheatley out of Penn State.
In the 7th round the Panthers drafted Miami of Ohio linebacker Jackson Kuwatch.
The first NC State player taken in the draft was Justin Joly. The former Pack tight end went 152nd to the Denver Broncos.
Duke cornerback Chandler Rivers went 162nd to the Baltimore Ravens.
In the 6th round Duke saw another player taken. Offensive lineman Brian Parker II was selected 189th overall in the 6th round by the Cincinnati Bengals.
In the 7th round the Las Vegas Raiders selected NC State defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland.