The Carolina Panthers are making headlines in ESPN's early 2026 NFL mock draft by potentially breaking a 30-year tradition of not selecting players from Clemson University. According to analyst Matt Miller, the Panthers, currently positioned to pick 6th overall, are slated to draft Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods. This choice comes after a surprising decision last year to prioritize a wide receiver over defensive needs, highlighting a continued focus on building their defensive line around Derrick Brown.

Woods, a 6-foot-3, 315-pound talent, has demonstrated impressive statistics with three sacks and 17 pressures in the previous season. His quickness and leverage are expected to bolster Carolina's revamped defense, which has already seen the addition of former Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton on a three-year contract. The Panthers appear committed to strengthening their defensive unit, which struggled last season.