Peter Woods Scouting Report

Peter Woods is a special defensive lineman whose character, athletic ability, and technical polish make him NFL-ready.

Draft Grade: Round 1 - Rare, All-Pro

Strengths:

Elite Athleticism and Strength: Possesses rare twitch, power, and explosiveness. Seamlessly balances savviness and raw strength to play effectively along the defensive line in both run and pass phases. Demonstrates unnatural movement skills for a player of his size and position.

Natural Feel for the Game: Displays a sixth sense for reading and reacting to plays. Quickly diagnoses plays, understands offensive schemes instinctively, and takes advantage of blockers’ momentum to make impactful plays.

Hand Usage and Technical Prowess: An assertive and precise striker who plays with excellent leverage and extension as a run defender. Uses hands effectively to shed blocks and control engagements.

Versatility: Can line up anywhere on the defensive front. Excels as a two-gapper who can occupy space, as well as a penetrator who attacks the line. Possesses the agility and range to play the edge in certain defensive schemes when needed.

Concerns:

Length and Frame: Possesses a squattier frame with shorter arms. While he consistently plays bigger than his size, the inherent limitations of his build are something he will always need to compensate for.

Consistency: At his level, a player like Woods should maintain a high standard on every rep. Needs to ensure the same intensity and technique from play to play without lapses.

Peter Woods Summary/Projection:

Peter Woods enters the 2026 NFL Draft as the centerpiece of Clemson’s defensive front and one of the most impactful interior linemen in college football. A former five-star recruit from Thompson High School in Alabama, Woods arrived in Death Valley with massive expectations and wasted little time living up to them. He carved out a role as a true freshman in 2023 and became a full-time starter in 2024, splitting time between defensive tackle and edge while anchoring the Tigers’ defense. Built in the mold of Clemson’s great defensive linemen, Woods embodies the program’s tradition of producing disruptive, NFL-ready talent in the trenches.

Despite his below-average height and length, Woods is one of the most physically dominant and technically polished defenders in the country. He’s an excruciatingly violent force to block, even flashing his power as a fullback on offense, and is undoubtedly one of the best overall prospects in this draft.

Woods is elite against the run. He plays low, with violent, powerful, and heavy hands, consistently putting offensive linemen in compromised positions. As a two-gapper, he naturally fits his hands, sinks his center of gravity, and can anchor or shed effectively. As a penetrator, he shows exceptional twitch and power, consistently disrupting the interior of run schemes and protections.

Woods has the potential to take his pass-rushing game to another level. He demonstrates a special feel for momentum, manipulates offensive linemen with finesse, and can win on either side of the blocker with his quickness and explosiveness. His refined arm-over move complements his natural power, and despite shorter arms, he plays long and effectively as a rusher.

Woods’ elite athleticism and strength allow him to seamlessly balance savviness with raw power along the defensive line. His hand usage and leverage are technically advanced, making him a dominant run defender and penetrator alike. He is versatile, able to play multiple positions along the line, from the edge to the interior, with range and explosiveness that threaten any offense.

The primary key for Woods to reach his ceiling as a potential No. 1 overall pick is consistency. When fully engaged, he may be the most dominant defender in college football. Sustaining that same level of play throughout drives and games, while maintaining his football IQ and polish, will cement him as the top overall prospect.

Woods is a special defensive lineman whose character, athletic ability, and technical polish make him NFL-ready. He projects as an immediate, every-down contributor in any defensive scheme and has the tools and potential to become a Pro Bowl-caliber professional early in his career.