The Carolina Panthers changed the conversation in 2025. An 8-9 record was enough to win the NFC South, and that sudden jump from rebuilding roster to playoff team did not go unnoticed. It also shifted perception in NFL betting markets, where oddsmakers quickly adjusted Carolina’s divisional and season win projections for 2026. When expectations rise that fast, every roster weakness becomes magnified.

That is where this offseason begins. The Panthers closed the year with three straight losses, including a 34-31 wild-card defeat at home against the Rams. The division title showed real progress under Dave Canales. The playoff exit highlighted the gap between competing and controlling games.

A new 2026 mock draft from Ryan McCrystal of Sharp Football Analysis zeroes in on that gap. The theme is unmistakable: fix the lines before anything else.

Peter Woods at No. 19? That Would Be About Stability

With the 19th overall pick, McCrystal projects Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods to Carolina. It is not a flashy pick. It is a practical one.

The Panthers’ interior defensive line returns most of its personnel. That does not mean it played well enough. Derrick Brown remained the centerpiece, but the unit lacked week-to-week disruption. The run defense improved statistically, allowing 123.3 rushing yards per game after surrendering 179.8 the previous year. Still, late-season slippage showed how fragile that improvement was.

Woods would represent a long-term correction. At 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds, he is built low and powerful. He turns 21 in March. That matters. He is still growing into his frame and refining his game. Over three seasons at Clemson, he posted 84 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles. Those numbers reflect a role that demanded space-eating and double teams more than highlight plays.

There is upside beyond the stat sheet. Woods has short-area burst and surprising athletic flexibility. Clemson even used him in short-yardage offensive packages, where he scored two rushing touchdowns in 2025. That type of movement skill translates to interior penetration at the next level.

Carolina would not need him to carry the unit immediately. He could rotate early while developing behind veterans. For a defensive front that lacked consistency, that approach makes sense.

The Center Position Is a Quiet Problem

If Carolina passes on defensive line, the offensive interior may demand attention. Both Austin Corbett and Cade Mays started games at center in 2025. Both are now free agents. That leaves a leadership and communication void in the middle of the line.

There may not be a pure first-round center in this class. That forces creativity. Texas A&M’s Chase Bisontis and Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane are guards by trade but have the intelligence and anchor to shift inside. Position flexibility could determine draft value here.

The Panthers’ offensive line ranking fell sharply last season. After finishing eighth in 2024, the unit dropped to 20th in Pro Football Focus’ final grades for 2025. Injuries were a major factor, but depth and cohesion were exposed.

Center is not a glamour pick. It is a control pick. If Carolina wants offensive stability, it starts there.

Ikem Ekwonu and the Clock

The left tackle situation may define the draft more than any other factor. Ikem Ekwonu, a former top-10 selection, struggled through an uneven 2025 season before suffering a postseason injury. His availability for 2026 is uncertain. His contract situation adds urgency. This is the final year of his rookie deal.

Carolina must decide if he remains part of the long-term core. If the answer leans toward no, replacements will be available. Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor offers elite size and SEC experience. Georgia’s Monroe Freeling brings length and developmental upside. Utah’s Caleb Lomu profiles as a balanced tackle with strong pass sets.

Yes, Edge Rusher Is Still a Need

Carolina still lacks a true game-changing pass rusher. That has not changed.

However, building a defense only through edge pressure ignores the foundation. If the interior collapses or fails to control gaps, even elite edge rushers become less effective. The same logic applies on offense. A quarterback cannot function if interior pressure arrives instantly.

The mock draft’s theme is not about ignoring splash positions. It is about reinforcing structure first.

Canales’ team improved in 2025 because it became more disciplined and more physical. That identity cannot survive without reliable line play on both sides of the ball.

A Division Title Is Not a Finish Line

An 8-9 division champion is a stepping stone. It is not a contender.

The Panthers proved they can compete within the NFC South. They have not proven they can control games against complete teams. The playoff loss to Los Angeles highlighted that difference. Execution in the trenches decides those matchups.

Whether it is Peter Woods fortifying the defensive interior, a converted center stabilizing the offense, or a new left tackle replacing an underperforming former first-rounder, the direction is clear.

Carolina’s next step is not about star power. It is about durability, depth, and leverage at the line of scrimmage.

The 2026 mock draft may change dozens of times before April. Prospects will rise. Needs will shift. Trades will alter the board.

But the core issue will remain. If the Panthers want to move from surprise division winner to legitimate playoff threat, they must win inside first. Everything else comes after that.