2026 NFL Scouting Report: Peter Woods

Peter Woods, 6-3/265
Defensive Tackle
Clemson

Peter Woods Prospect Preview

By Charlie Campbell

Career Recap:

Woods was part of a strong recruiting class that saw the field as a freshman for the Tigers. In 2023, Woods contributed 26 tackles with zero sacks in his debut for the Tigers. As a sophomore, Woods really improved in his pass rush, totaling three sacks, getting more pressures, and recording 26 tackles.

2025 Season Outlook:

Woods will see some quality opponents, and the best matchups to watch him could include LSU (Aug. 30), North Carolina (Oct. 4), Boston College (Oct. 11), and South Carolina (Nov. 29).

Prospect Summary:

Early in the 2026 NFL Draft process, scouts from around the league have already remarked that the Clemson defense is loaded with NFL talent. Woods is one of those prospects who has jumped out to pro evaluators. At the point of attack, Woods is very quick, athletic, strong, and disruptive. Woods lined up at defensive end and tackle for the Tigers, but for the NFL, he is more of a three-technique tackle rather than an edge defender. His build profiles better as a gap-shooting interior defensive lineman rather than an edge rusher, as he does not have the speed or length to be an every-down end in the NFL.

For the NFL, Woods is a twitchy interior tackle who has speed to get upfield and impressive agility to dart past blockers. Woods is fast to fire his gap and can charge hard into the pocket to cause disruption. However, he has to finish better as Woods gets close, but lets some sacks and tackles escape from him.

In the run game, Woods is a tough defender who can hold his ground at the point of attack. He also shows the ability to work off blocks and chase down backs to get in on tackles. Woods has three down starting potential on the inside as a tackle.

As a pro, Woods looks like a starting three-technique tackle who will fit well in a one-gap scheme. With a good 2025 season, he could be a worthy first-round pick.