Carolina Panthers: 2007 NFL Draft do-over (7 rounds)

Carolina Panthers 2007 Draft: LaMarr Woodley over Dwayne Jarrett (No. 45)

LaMarr Woodley isn’t one of the best pass rushers of all time. But he is definitely a better pick than Dwayne Jarrett in hindsight for the Carolina Panthers at No. 45 overall in the 2007 NFL Draft.

Jarrett only played four seasons in the NFL and caught 35 passes during this time. He never proved to be the elite wide receiver the Panthers thought they drafted. And he found himself on the NFL scrapheap when he was supposed to be entering his prime.

The wideout was supposed to be that No. 2 receiver behind Steve Smith. He never looked like becoming this despite some brief glimpses of promise. Woodley emerged as a great support player for the Pittsburgh Steelers during a standout career.

Woodley played opposite James Harrison, who was one of the most feared pass rushers in the league. It was tough for opposing offenses to double team him when they knew he was on the other side.

He made a Pro Bowl in 2009 and had three double-digit sack seasons. He may not have the best stats or accolades like other players at his position. But he was still a great player and would have been a substantial upgrade with Carolina’s second-rounder.

If the Panthers would have taken Woodley instead of Jarrett, this may have lined up Julius Peppers and Woodley coming off the edge for many years.