Clemson returns several key players for the 2025 season in an effort to repeat as ACC Champions. The defense projects to be one of the best in the nation, with multiple future first-round picks. Peter Woods is among the top defenders for the Tigers and plays a vital role in their hopes of a deep playoff run. His physical traits and versatility stand out for an interior defensive lineman. Clemson has been a factory for defensive tackles, with Dexter Lawrence, Grady Jarrett, and D.J. Reader to name a few. Woods looks to join that list and make his own mark in the NFL. The tools are all there; the question is, how early can he hear his name called in April?
2026 NFL Draft: Peter Woods Player Profile
Background
Woods was a four-star recruit and the eighth-ranked defensive lineman in the Class of 2023. After winning four consecutive state championships with Thompson (Alabama), he committed to Clemson. He appeared in 12 games as a true freshman and showed glimpses of his potential. Woods finished 2023 with 26 tackles, three tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. 2024 showed signs of improvement for Woods, as he played a significant part in the Tigers reaching the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2020. He was a bright spot in their 34-3 loss to Georgia in Week 1. Woods recorded his first collegiate sack and had three tackles for loss against the Bulldogs. He finished his sophomore year with three sacks, 28 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and a forced fumble.
Strengths
The first thing that stands out about Woods on film is, well, his first step. He is incredibly explosive off the line of scrimmage and can consistently be a factor in the trenches. Woods often dictates double teams, leaving offenses vulnerable against other defenders. Even on plays where he doesn’t record a tackle or sack, his impact is felt by creating opportunities for his teammates. Woods is alignment versatile, having experience as both a 3-technique and an edge rusher. His combination of power, twitch, and speed is remarkable for his position. Woods will almost certainly be a first-round selection just off traits alone. His wheelhouse is run defense, as he excels at filling gaps and bringing down running backs. Woods is a capable pass rusher who uses his power to generate interior pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Weaknesses
While Woods is certainly a respectable pass rusher, he struggles to finish off reps, having just three sacks in 23 games. His run defense is excellent, but there are times he can get pushed off the line of scrimmage and be taken out of run plays. Woods also battled injuries in 2024 that caused him to miss three games. The talent is undeniable, but maximizing his potential as a pass rusher is the central area of improvement entering 2025.
Overview
Woods is a blue-chip prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft and arguably the best interior defensive lineman in the class. He has demonstrated his ability to play at various spots along the defensive line, but best fits as a 3-tech at the next level. The raw potential of an All-Pro is present; it’s just a matter of finishing better as a pass rusher. If Woods can put it all together, he can find immense success early in the NFL like Jalen Carter.
Dabo Swinney has taken an old-school approach, focusing on traditional recruiting and development rather than utilizing the transfer portal. While Swinney has faced criticism for this approach, it has positioned Clemson for another national title run this fall. Woods has progressed throughout his college career to the point where it’s no longer a question of whether he will go in the first round, but rather how early? His floor is a valuable run defender whose impact extends beyond the stat sheet. The ceiling is an all-around elite defensive lineman who warrants a top-ten selection.
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