3 big ways Xavier Woods can help the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Xavier Woods brings standout tackling to the Carolina Panthers
One of the main areas where Xavier Woods improved with the Minnesota Vikings was from a tackling standpoint. Learning from someone like Harrison Smith was a significant boost at just the right time, with the Louisiana Tech product’s positioning and ability to be around the football consistently showing signs of substantial promise.
Woods eventually finished with 102 tackles last season. This was the highest total of his pro career by a considerable margin and considering how in the thick of it he was more often than not, the 6.1 percent of tackles was another indication of progress.
If the player can keep up or even build on this with the Carolina Panthers, this acquisition could work extremely well.
Of course, there are many unknowns surrounding Carolina’s defense right now. Haason Reddick and DaQuan Jones have left, Morgan Fox and A.J. Bouye were released, Stephon Gilmore and Donte Jackson might not be back, and there could be one or two talented pieces heading to the Houston Texans if Deshaun Watson waives his no-trade clause.
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This could lead to a frenzied period of activity to strengthen almost every position group. Woods at least gives them some stable presence on the backend even if Jeremy Chinn is traded, which will be needed in no uncertain terms.