2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Clemson’s DT Peter Woods

The Clemson Tigers might have the most versatile defensive linemen in all of college football. Peter Woods, with his size and athleticism, can anchor any interior defensive line with the best prospects in this class, but his speed and first step allow him to play outside as well. 

The Clemson standout weighs in at 315 lbs., but the man can move. He’s been timed at 4.75 in the 40-yard dash and gets off the ball faster than most of his counterparts. Head Coach Dabo Swinney has used Woods at every position along the defensive line, from nose tackle to an edge rusher. In 2024, Woods made 28 tackles, had 9 tackles-for-loss, 3 sacks, and a forced fumble. 

Strengths

Woods is a nightmare to handle for offensive coordinators. He frequently rushes from different positions, and when he anchors down, he’ll need to be double-teamed to move him. He plays with a high motor and high-end agility, making it hard for even the best of college linemen to handle him for more than a second or two without holding. He can fill gaps, collapse pockets, and he plays unselfishly, a trait all coaches love to see. 

In the pros, Woods’ versatility will allow him to play in any type of defense and should get him drafted in the top half of the first round. 

Weaknesses

With experience will come a better, more refined prospect. For all of his strengths, Woods still needs to find ways to finish plays. Scouts will want to see him turn pressures into sacks and get the ball carrier on the ground. For a man his size and talent, he should light up the stat sheet at the collegiate level. 

Secondly, he will need to polish up his techniques. As he does, he will become a better tackler and will shed blocks more routinely, making him even more formidable.  

Conciusion

Woods is a surefire first-rounder and, with a big 2025 season, may be projected as a top ten talent. He’s comparable to some of the better interior lineman prospects in the last few years, including a smaller version of Georgia’s Jordan Davis, with an ability to play outside, too. He’s an elite jumbo athlete who can improve his draft stock with a few tweaks to his game.