Panthers rookie Will Lee III lands spot on ESPN's all-backup team
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 20, 2026, 5:15 PM
Last updated Jul 20, 2026
Will Lee III, a fourth-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 2026 NFL Draft, has been named to ESPN's all-backup team. Lee, who is 6-2 and has impressive arm length, has yet to play a snap in the NFL. Analyst Bill Barnwell notes that while Lee's college stats include four interceptions and 24 pass breakups, Pro Football Focus rated him 514th out of 896 qualifying cornerbacks in 2025. The Panthers are deep in the cornerback position, led by Pro Bowler Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. If Lee develops with coaching, he could serve as a viable backup for the team this season.
- •Will Lee III was drafted in 2026 by the Panthers.
- •He has not played any snaps in the NFL yet.
- •ESPN's Bill Barnwell included him on the all-backup team.
- •Lee totaled four interceptions during his college career.
- •The Panthers feature strong cornerbacks like Jaycee Horn.
- 5:15 PMYahoo Sports — Panthers rookie named to ESPN's all-backup team
"Despite not even playing a single snap in the NFL, this Panthers rookie has been named to ESPN's all-backup team . . .
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