While it’s not immediately apparent where first-round pick Monroe Freeling will play,<\/a> there is no such confusion about the role or their next selection\u2014Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter.<\/p>\n Hunter’s Relative Athleic Score<\/a> was just 3.72. However, he has more than enough size, power and “heavy hands” to do what the Panthers need him to do\u2014line 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Head coach Dave Canales recently told<\/a> The Athletic that he keeps describing his game by using one word\u2014violent.<\/p>\n “When you\u2019re an interior defensive lineman, it all starts with violence. That\u2019s one thing that he kind of characterized himself (as),\u201d Canales said. \u201cWhat\u2019s your play style? \u2018Violence.\u2019 And (he) repeatedly said violence. Just the way that he\u2019s disruptive and explosive at the line of scrimmage.\u201d<\/p>\n Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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 . . .<\/p>\n 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<\/a> going into 2026.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/nFD6xNoHOTc\/maxresdefault.jpg\")