Former Kansas State football cornerback Will Lee III was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday. With the selection, he becomes the first player with Wildcats ties off the board in this year’s draft class.
Texas A&M CB Will Lee III, former Kansas State standout, brings upside to Panthers
Lee spent just one season with Kansas State in 2023. In just 11 games, he totaled 42 tackles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery. In addition to his forced fumbles total, Lee also made 1.5 tackles for loss.
Following the 2023 season, he made the decision to join the Texas A&M Aggies, the former school of current Kansas State head coach Collin Klein. Lee's time there consisted of 79 solo tackles, a forced fumble and two interceptions.
Similar to his lone season at Kansas State, it didn't take long for him to earn a starting role. And with his NFL career now kicking off in Carolina, that trend isn't likely to cease.
Breaking down Lee's upside in Carolina
The Panthers aren't necessarily in desperate need of players at the cornerback position. Ahead of this season's draft, they already had Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. Entering the 2026 season, Lee sits as a crucial depth piece behind the pair.
There isn't a single defensive back on the Panthers roster over the age of 30, either. In terms of culture and development, that's more crucial than most fans realize. Having a room full of successful guys close to your age, it pays dividends down the road.
In an official statement by the Carolina Panthers, Lee is touted as "an experienced boundary corner with size and long arms." His physique mirrors that of both Horn and Jackson, with his agility ranking among the likes of former Panthers cornerback great Josh Norman.
On paper, Lee is the better pure athlete than a guy who was highly valued on the Panthers roster. Likewise, that's something the fans should get excited for when he sees the field during the preseason.
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