4 Panthers rookies most likely to get a jump on a starting job at OTAs

The Carolina Panthers‘ 2026 rookie class will get their next taste of the NFL offseason this week, when organized team activities kick off on Tuesday. And while this stage of the buildup to the regular season won’t be as focused nor as strenuous as what’s to come in the summer, it’ll still give these first-year players at early opportunity to shine alongside the veterans.

So, which youngsters might be able to make a lasting impression right away?

Here are four Panthers rookies who are likeliest to get a jump on a starting job at OTAs . . .

1. DL Lee Hunter

Hunter, a first-team All-SEC selection and All-American in 2025, was already a strong candidate to crack the starting lineup once he was taken in the second round of the draft. But the sudden neck injury to fellow lineman Tershawn Wharton, who will be out indefinitely, may have solidified his spot.

The 6-foot-3, 318-pounder should serve as a fine complement to Pro Bowler Derrick Brown. Although he may not possess the pass-rushing chops that Wharton does, “The Fridge” could be wheeled right in to fill the void left behind by the release of A’Shawn Robinson.

2. LT Monroe Freeling

While first-round picks are often the most likely rookies to take over a starting role, this situation should give the Panthers some flexibility. Between his rawness at the position and the addition of former Green Bay Packers starting left tackle Rasheed Walker, Freeling doesn’t necessarily have to be in the Week 1 lineup—even with Ikem Ekwonu recovering from a torn patellar tendon.

Walker, however, is essentially on a backup deal—as he signed a one-year, $4 million pact that includes per-game bonuses. So Carolina also doesn’t have to start Walker, which may be the case if they want to throw their new 6-foot-7, 318-pound hog molly right into the fire.

3. C Sam Hecht

Similarly to the blindside, the Panthers will also have options at center. That competition will pit free-agent signee Luke Fortner against the fifth-rounder Hecht, perhaps the team’s biggest steal of the draft.

Even though Fortner was solid over 10 starts for the New Orleans Saints in 2025, as he earned Pro Football Focus’ fourth-highest pass-blocking grade at the position, Hecht could be ready to go. He was charged with zero sacks over his four-year stay at Kansas State.

4. S Zakee Wheatley

Carolina might’ve gotten not one, but two steals in the fifth round. And Wheatley, like Hecht, may be able to knock off a vet.

Nick Scott, who was serviceable for much of last season, is the favorite to start across from Tre’von Moehrig. Wheatley’s tremendous range and ball skills, however, could give Scott a run at free safety—where the defense hasn’t come up with many game-changing plays.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers OTAs: 4 likeliest rookies to challenge for a starting job

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