The Carolina Panthers made seven selections in the NFL draft this year, and they've added a handful of intriguing undrafted free agents in the days following. This could be a very deep rookie class for the Panthers.

We didn't love every pick (ahem, Monroe Freeling over Makai Lemon in round one), but the Panthers didn't make a bad pick, which they even did in 2025, when they really nailed the draft. There are a lot of decent to incredible picks here, but only one can be the best/our favorite.

Sam Hecht is the best pick the Panthers made

Kansas State offensive lineman Sam Hecht (OL27) during the NFL Scouting Combine | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Panthers needed a center in the draft, but unfortunately, the class was pretty shallow.…