The Carolina Panthers are being predicted to improve their defense with this massive addition.
The Carolina Panthers' defense has shown vast signs of improvement this season. It was the worst statistical unit in NFL history last year, and while it is still ranks a pedestrian 18th in the league in 2025, it's a massive step forward from 2024.
The Panthers still clearly need some help along the unit, though, particularly along the front seven where they are relatively thin.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic recently ran a mock draft, and he predicted Carolina to select Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods with the 15th overall pick.
"The Panthers were ready to pounce on Mason Graham had he slid in last year’s draft, and they could look at defensive tackle again in this year’s first round," Brugler wrote. "Woods needs to turn the 'almost' moments into more impact plays, but he is a nimble big man with a lot of promise to develop into a game-wrecker."
Woods is widely viewed as the best interior defensive lineman in this upcoming draft class and just completed a 2025 regular season in which he registered 30 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a couple of sacks.
Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Peter Woods. Credit: Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.The 20-year-old arrived at Clemson in 2023 and logged 26 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss during his debut campaign. Then, the following season, he tallied 28 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.
Considering what Woods achieved in Year 2, his 2025 campaign was actually a bit of a disappointment, but he is projected to be a terrific run-stuffer on the professional level.
The Panthers added both Bobby Brown and Tershawn Wharton in free agency last spring, but they could definitely stand to add more of an impact player alongside of Derrick Brown.
Perhaps Woods is the answer Carolina needs.
It should also be noted that the Panthers are currently slated to have about $30 million in cap room and could free up a bit more money with roster cuts, so they may be able to make some free-agent moves to bolster their defense, as well.
In the meantime, Carolina is 7-6 and is surprisingly smack dab in the middle of playoff contention, sitting just a half-game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South.
The Panthers will face the New Orleans Saints this Sunday.