FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods.
2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Peter Woods
Peter Woods (DL – Clemson)
6-foot-3 | 310 Pounds
Background
Peter Woods was a five-star recruit out of Greensboro, Alabama, who started two out of 12 games as a freshman, rotating relatively heavily into the defense (301 snaps) and finishing with 26-2.5-0.0.
Woods became a starter the following year, playing 395 snaps and posting 28-8.5-3.0 before putting together a 30-3.5-2.0 line over the 2025 regular season (562 snaps).
Positives
Three-year contributor for one of college football’s more highly-regarded programs, especially where defensive linemen are concerned. Woods is a powerfully built, well-conditioned lineman who carries his weight well and successfully handled a high number of snaps this year.
Typically played the three-technique on Clemson’s four-man defensive front, which features a lot of two-gap principles, but can also shade inside to a one-technique. Has an impressive first step, with the suddenness and lateral quickness to threaten gaps out of his stance. Does a nice job of keeping his shoulders square to the line, and anchors very well at the point of attack, with lower-body strength that could allow him to play nose tackle as well; can dig in against double teams.
Shows excellent awareness/ability to locate the football in the run game. Very sudden and heavy with his hands, and is easily able to control blockers and discard them in time to make tackles in the run game. Offers an impressive range in pursuit, with a high motor and solid closing burst to finish. Disruptive on passing downs, mixing in swims and swipes to generate pressure and force quick throws. Has impressive footwork and agility to redirect and pursue passers. Gets his hands up to contest passing lanes effectively.
Negatives
Wasn’t quite able to recreate his 2024 production this past year despite playing a higher number of snaps. Woods’ thicker build might be viewed by some teams as more appropriate for an even defensive front, rather than a five-technique role on an odd line.
The Clemson prospect did take the occasional snap on the end of a three-man line, but was often knifing inside on obvious passing downs during the games reviewed. Would like to see him work the bull rush a bit more. He seems to have the raw power to reset the line of scrimmage, but is more likely to anchor, read and react than walk back opposing blockers.
Summary
One of the cleanest defensive tackle prospects you’re likely to see, with an outstanding combination of quickness, functional strength, awareness and block-shedding ability/technique that allows Woods to read and react in a two-gap role or create disruption as a gap-shooter.
Would probably function best as a two-gap three-technique on a four-man line, but looks to have a positionally/schematically versatile skillset.
Projection: Round 1
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