Panthers safety Xavier Woods earns major props in recent national rankings

Xavier Woods is finally getting some well-deserved respect. 

Bleacher Report put together a ranking of each team's "best-kept secret." 

On that list was the Carolina Panthers safety, who came into his own during the 2023 season. 

Take a look at what Matt Holder had to say about the 28-year-old defender. 

"Carolina hasn't done a lot of winning since Woods got there two years ago, which is probably part of the reason why he's under the radar. But the safety is a versatile player who can line up in the box and protect the back end of the defense.

"He's also good against the run and pass, logging nine interceptions and PBUs combined with four tackles for loss in addition to earning an 81.7 coverage grade and 73.7 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus last season."

Woods landed in Carolina by way of a three-year contract worth $15 million in 2022. He has lived up to those numbers relatively quickly. 

The safety lays claim to 147 combined tackles, two interceptions and three fumble recoveries. 

The only thing currently in his way is the Panthers' lack of success. That must change in 2024.