Carolina Panthers: 2008 NFL Draft do-over (7 rounds)

Carolina Panthers 2008 Draft: Wesley Woodyard over Hilee Taylor (No. 221)

Hilee Taylor played at the University of North Carolina so the Carolina Panthers were hoping they could turn a local player into a solid starting linebacker. Sadly for the player and the franchise, it didn’t work out.

Taylor played two seasons for the Panthers and never started a game. He never found his way onto another NFL roster once he eventually parted ways with the organization.

A linebacker they could have drafted that would have been a huge upgrade for the Panthers is Wesley Woodyard. He went undrafted in 2008 and signed with the Denver Broncos. Which proved to be an inspired decision.

In his six seasons with the Broncos, he had 435 tackles, 8 sacks, and five interceptions. This represented tremendous production from a player from which little was expected when the prospect came into the league.

Woodyard has played for the Tennessee Titans over a six-year stint and has been one of the best linebackers in the league. His fearless style of play makes him an instant favorite with teammates and fans alike and played a leading role in his longevity.

His best season came in 2017 where he had 124 tackles, five sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. If the Panthers selected Woodyard, it would have given them a great linebacker alongside Jon Beason and eventually Luke Kuechly.