Carolina Panthers select Will Lee III in the fourth round, 129th overall
“The Blanket” will provide coverage for the Panthers.
Texas A&M cornerback Will Lee III — aka “The Blanket” — was selected by Carolina in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday.
He’s only the third A&M cornerback drafted since the Aggies entered the Southeastern Conference in 2012. Brandon Williams was a third-round choice of the Arizona Cardinals in 2016. Jaylon Jones was a seventh-round choice of the Indianapolis Colts in 2023.
Lee transferred to A&M from Kansas State, where he posted 42 tackles, had two interceptions and broke up six passes in 2023.
In two seasons at A&M, Lee recorded 92 tackles, had 2.5 tackles for loss, had two interceptions and broke up 18 passes.
He earned All-SEC recognition in 2024.
Nicknamed “The Blanket” because of his coverage prowess, Lee was often an electric blanket.
Among his highlight plays at A&M was an interception he returned 93 yards for a touchdown vs. Texas in 2024. That season, he also deflected a pass, which Bryce Anderson intercepted and returned 45 yards for a touchdown vs. Florida.
Last season vs. Notre Dame, Lee broke up a pass on third-and-goal at the 4-yard line. The PBU forced Notre Dame to settle for a field goal. That proved to be a key play in A&M’s 41-40 victory.
