Panthers rookie named to ESPN's all-backup team

Outside of their offensive line, the deepest position group for the Carolina Panthers might just reside in their cornerback room.

The unit is headed by Jaycee Horn, who has become a two-time Pro Bowler since being selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Horn is joined by the emergent Mike Jackson on the outside, with 2024 fifth-round pick Chau Smith-Wade and the ascending Corey Thornton on the inside.

Oh, and there might be a new weapon to point out.

Will Lee III, the team’s fourth-rounder from the 2026 draft, has been named to the NFL All-Backup team going into the season by Bill Barnwell at ESPN. Barnwell wrties:

A fourth-round pick out of Texas A&M, Lee’s 6-2 frame and 89th percentile arm length make him a cornerback with the potential to physically compete at the line of scrimmage. He also sent an opposing receiver a blanket before a game against Missouri in 2024, and Team Backup appreciates some trash-talking.

A fourth-round pick out of Texas A&M, Lee’s 6-2 frame and 89th percentile arm length make him a cornerback with the potential to physically compete at the line of scrimmage. He also sent an opposing receiver a blanket before a game against Missouri in 2024, and Team Backup appreciates some trash-talking.

It’s probably important to point out that Lee has yet to play a single coverage snap at this level, so we as yet have no idea how good (or bad) he’s going to be in the NFL. That said, Lee does have the requisite length and athleticism to play the boundary well. He also comes with solid ball skills, having totaled four interceptions and 24 pass breakups in 36 career college games.

However, there’s more to playing cornerback than being tall and getting picks—and for what it’s worth, Pro Football Focus didn’t seem too impressed by what they saw last season. Lee earned a 66.5 overall grade in 2025, ranking 514th out of 896 qualifying cornerbacks. His coverage grade was only a slightly-better 68.5 and his run defense (52.6) was lacking.

PFF’s grades are subjective, though—and Lee’s game is still growing. With the right coaching he should (eventually) be able to function as a passable backup for Horn and Jackson on the outside if either one gets injured.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers rookie named to ESPN’s all-backup team