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.

The Carolina Panthers are set to enter training camp with a notably deep and exciting group of wide receivers, highlighted by veterans like Adam Thielen and first-round picks like Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette. Among them, Jalen Coker stands out as an underrated gem. After not being drafted, he joined the Panthers and proved his worth during his rookie season, topping the team with 14.9 yards per reception, totaling 478 yards and two touchdowns. His performance, particularly a standout game against the Chicago Bears, showcases his potential to be a key offensive asset as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

Rookies are the lifeblood of fantasy football, offering both excitement and risk as they enter the league unproven. The 2025 rookie class is particularly promising with several players poised to make an immediate impact.

Among them, Jayden Higgins of the Houston Texans stands out as a potential WR2, given his size and talent, especially playing opposite Nico Collins. Tetairoa McMillan of the Carolina Panthers is another intriguing option, expected to lead the receiving corps after an impressive training camp. Kaleb Johnson, joining the Pittsburgh Steelers, has a clear path to significant touches in a restructured offense, while TreVeyon Henderson in New England could challenge Rhamondre Stevenson for the starting role. Lastly, keep an eye on guys like Ashton Jeanty, who could emerge as late-round gems.

Xavier Legette's rookie season with the Carolina Panthers presented a mixed bag of performances, marked by a standout Week 4 but otherwise inconsistent fantasy outputs. Despite being the 32nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Legette faced stiff competition from teammates like D.J. Chark Jr. and Jonathan Mingo, limiting his playing time initially. However, as the season progressed, Legette emerged as a more prominent player, particularly after several trades and injuries to teammates, leading to a significant increase in his offensive snaps.

Although his playing time surged in the latter part of the season, Legette struggled with consistency, often failing to score more than 10 PPR points outside of games where he found the end zone. His reported offseason improvements and the arrival of new competition in the form of Tetairoa McMillan may finally provide the push he needs to turn potential into production. Fantasy owners should monitor his development closely as he aims for a more significant role as the clear starter over his competitors.

2025 fantasy football rookie wide receiver rankings are here, showcasing the top prospects ready to make an impact. Leading the list is Tetairoa McMillan from the Carolina Panthers, who has quickly established himself as a top-tier prospect. Following closely is Travis Hunter, a hybrid player for the Jacksonville Jaguars, expected to shine with a potent offensive scheme under coach Liam Coen. Luther Burden III of the Chicago Bears remains a focal point after a promising college career, even as his stats took a hit last season.

Be on the lookout for sleepers like Jaylin Noel and Jack Bech, who have potential to surprise in the upcoming drafts. Continuous updates to these rankings will reflect the offseason dynamics, providing you with the most accurate insights for your rookie drafts and fantasy leagues.