Panthers Beware: Top Draft Pick Might Be a Bust

As the NFL draft approaches, analysts are cautioning the Carolina Panthers against selecting Peter Woods too early. While some mock drafts project Woods to the Panthers, there's a growing concern he could be drafted significantly higher than his abilities warrant. Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report specifically identified Woods as a prospect likely to be picked too high and potentially become a disappointment.

Woods's scouting profile indicates a weakness in generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks, lacking a signature pass-rush move and struggling with hand usage. This deficiency is concerning, especially for a team that already possesses interior defensive linemen capable of stopping the run but needs more pass-rushing impact from the position. The Panthers' current roster suggests a limited need for another interior defender, particularly one without a proven ability to sack the quarterback.

Gagnon noted that Woods, despite flashes of brilliance in 2025, often disappeared and fell short of expectations for a supposedly 'monster season.' His career total of just five sacks raises questions about his potential impact at the professional level. Although the Panthers hold a pick in the latter half of the first round, the risk of selecting Woods and seeing him underperform is a significant concern that the team should consider avoiding.