The Carolina Panthers grabbed Will Lee III, a former Kansas State cornerback who also played at Texas A&M, in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday. He is the first player connected to the Wildcats selected this year.
Lee spent only the 2023 season at Kansas State, tallying 42 tackles, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery in 11 games, plus 1.5 tackles for loss. He then moved to Texas A&M, the former home of current K-State head coach Collin Klein, where he amassed 79 solo tackles, a forced fumble, and two picks. At both stops, he quickly became a starter, and that pattern should hold as he joins Carolina’s secondary.
While the Panthers already have cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, Lee adds crucial depth. Notably, no defensive back on Carolina’s roster is over 30, fostering a strong developmental culture. The team describes Lee as a “experienced boundary corner with size and long arms,” similar in build to Horn and Jackson, with agility compared to former Panthers great Josh Norman.
On pure athleticism, Lee may even outshine some valued players on the roster, giving fans reason for excitement once he hits the preseason field.
