Friday Feature #24: Peter Woods
The Clemson defense was supposed to be historic in 2025 (Fellow Steelers fans will get that reference). It didn’t quite work out for the Tigers, as they battled for bowl eligibility despite a Top-5 preseason ranking. A 4-game winning streak to end the season was certainly a highlight, and Peter Woods played his part as the defense held all 4 opponents to less than 20 points, a far cry from the 46 they gave up to the Blue Devils. Check out my detailed scouting report on Woods below:
Background & Measurables
Name: Peter Woods
Year: Junior
Size: 6’2, 298 pounds, Hands: 9 1/8”, Arms: 31 1/4” (Combine verified)
Position/Scheme Fit: 3-tech in a 4-3
Woods is a former 4-star recruit out of Alabaster, Alabama. He led Thompson High School to four straight state championships and was among the top 10 players in the nation, according to ESPN. He made an impact right out the gate and was named as a Freshman All-American by 247Sports, the FWAA, On3, College Football News and College Football Network. That was due to him being credited with 27 tackles (2.5 for loss) and a forced fumble in 307 snaps over 12 games.
He had three sacks and 17 hurries as a sophomore in 2024 despite missing three games due to injury. Last season, Woods played a significant amount of snaps on the edge as Clemson looked for more production at defensive end. He entered the season as a consensus Top-10 pick and the #1 DT on the majority of draft boards. Woods was a first-team All-ACC selection this year, with 30 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks, but didn’t take the expected leap to solidify his lofty draft status.
Games watched: Georgia (2024), SMU CCG (2024), Texas CFP (2024), LSU (2025), Florida State (2025), Louisville (2025).
Detailed Scouting Report
Strengths
1. His power and agility make him a nightmare for any offensive lineman. Has played across the defensive line, although best suited inside, occupying double teams and pushing the pocket.
2. Strong hands to shed blocks and has a nasty push-pull move to break free with excellent leverage. Has enough twitch and technique to occupy double teams well at any level.
3. Great hustle on his reps to stay in it, which, as a 300+ pounder (playing weight), is impressive. Plays every snap with tenacity and stays active, even chasing down plays on the backside. Had 15 snaps on offense both as a blocker and a runner in 2025, even punching in 2 TDs.
4. Plays with great leverage. Rarely plays with too high a pad level and can get up under the centre, following it up with a powerful bull rush to knock linemen back and off their base.
5. Serious pass rush potential. Didn't show up as much in his 2025 film, but he has some advanced moves, showing a good feel as the game goes on. Improved in-game during each of the games watched.
Development Points
1. Missed three games due to a leg injury sustained during a chop block in 2024. Stayed fully healthy in 2025 for the most part, but did seem to be playing through something at times. One to watch in the lead-up to the draft.
2. Fluctuated in weight throughout 2024, getting as high as 330 pounds, but weighing in at 298 at the Combine. Has a bit of a tweener frame dating back to his high school days, so needs to make sure he stays on top of it, as he looked a bit gassed in certain games in 2025.
3. Does sacrifice gap integrity at times. Clemson shipped some big rushing performances (see Georgia 2024), and while that isn't all at his feet, he did get pushed around at times. He is prone to giving up rushing lanes inside when he is lined up over the guard or tackle.
4. Good, not great, athlete on film, depending on which game you watch. Looked a little sluggish getting across the line on certain reps when asked to stunt or twist. Did not test at the Combine, so we will have to wait until his Pro Day to see what he can do.
5. Production didn't improve in 2025, which Woods will have to explain. He was in the right position at times, but only 3 sacks and 21 stops weren't what was expected. He was in position on a number of plays, but just couldn't get the ball carrier on the ground.
Conclusion
Woods has the size, strength and quickness to be considered among the elite in the 2026 class. He plays with great leverage and motor, flashing pass-rush potential, which will have defensive coaches excited about his high ceiling. He does have a bit of a tweener frame dating back to his high school and hasn't fully settled on a role and position on the defensive line, with some gap integrity issues when defending the run. But Woods is potentially the best defensive lineman in the class, which is lacking a real standout player. Woods should hear his name called inside the Top 25 of the draft when April rolls around.
Grade: 7.0/9.0 (1st round grade)
Player Comp
I see quite a bit of another former Clemson standout, Christian Wilkins, on his film. Wilkins played with good leverage in Death Valley and was productive enough to make the Dolphins part with the 13th pick back in 2019 for his services. However, some of his tape reminded me of Mazi Smith, the former Cowboy 1st-rounder who hasn’t really worked out to this point and is now on his 2nd team.
Team Fits
Ravens, Rams, Vikings, Buccaneers, Jaguars, Bears