Peter Woods

NFL Draft Profile: Peter Woods

Position: Defensive Line (DT/DE) | School: Clemson | Class: Junior

Height: 6'3" | Weight: 315 lbs | Archetype: Balance

College Career Summary

Peter Woods arrived at Clemson as one of the most decorated recruits in program history and immediately validated the hype. Known for his "Herculean" strength and freakish speed (verified 4.86 40-yard dash), he was a Freshman All-American in 2023. In 2025, he became Clemson’s first All-American at defensive tackle since Christian Wilkins (2018). Beyond defense, Woods was a specialized offensive weapon, recording multiple rushing touchdowns in goal-line sets.

Highlight Career Stats (2023–2025):

• Games Played: 35 (24 Starts)

• Tackles: 99

• Tackles for Loss (TFL): 14.5

• Sacks: 5.0

• Forced Fumbles: 2

• Offensive Stats: 8 carries, 15 yards, 2 TDs

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
No. 9 LSU	10 Tackles, 0.5 TFL	A	Absolute workhorse; single-handedly neutralized the interior run.
Troy	3 Tackles, 1 PBU	B+	Disruptive at the point of attack; PBU led to a critical INT.
@ Georgia Tech	3 Tackles	B-	Solid gap discipline but lacked backfield penetration.
Syracuse	6 Tackles, 1 Rush TD	A-	Impacted both sides of the ball; converted a 4th-and-1 on offense.
@ North Carolina	2 Tackles	B	Commanded double teams all game, freeing up LBs to make plays.
@ Boston College	3 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 TD	A+	The "Woods Game." Elite dominance in all three phases.
SMU	1 Tackle	C+	Struggles with quick-pass rhythm; effectively blocked by double teams.
Duke	5 Tackles, 1.0 Sack	B+	Violent pass-rush reps; one of few highlights in a defensive struggle.
Florida State	2 Tackles	B	Gap-sound performance; allowed zero movement in the A-gap.
@ Louisville	4 Tackles	B+	High-pursuit game; showed elite closing speed on the perimeter.
Furman	1 Tackle, 1.0 TFL	B	Limited snaps; dominated his individual matchups in the first half.
@ South Carolina	0 Tackles	C-	Frustrating finale; neutralized by scheme and triple-teams.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Twitchy Explosiveness: Possesses an elite first step that stresses guards instantly. His Acceleration allows him to cross a blocker's face before they can set their feet.

• Versatility: Rare ability to play 0-tech through 5-tech. He is equally comfortable anchoring the nose as he is chasing from the edge.

• Heavy Hands: Strikes with "pro-ready" violence. His swipe and arm-over moves are technically advanced for a junior.

• Character/Intangibles: A selfless "Team Player" who takes pride in his goal-line

• blocking and leadership.

Weaknesses

• Length Deficit: His squattier frame comes with shorter-than-ideal arms. If an NFL tackle latches onto his chest, he can struggle to disengage.

• Stat vs. Trait Disparity: While his disruption rate is elite, he needs to improve his "finishing" ability to turn pressures into sack production.

• Gap Discipline: Occasionally gambles on shooting a gap for a highlight play, which can lead to vacated run lanes.

Scheme Fit: Best suited as a 3-Technique in an aggressive one-gap 4-3 front, or a 5-Technique in a 3-4 system that values interior penetration.

NFL Comparison: Ed Oliver / Christian Wilkins

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 18/20 | Physical Tools: 17/20 | Attributes: 17/20 | Athleticism: 20/20 |

IQ: 16/20

Final Grade: 88/100

Peter Woods is a "lab-built" athlete whose ceiling is among the highest of any defensive prospect in the last five years. While he lacks the towering height of some peers, his low center of gravity and violent leverage make him an "unblockable" force when he is on his game. Because he plays a premium position (Interior Pass Rusher) and offers rare alignment flexibility, his draft floor is remarkably high.

Draft Projection: 1st Round (Top 10–15 Lock)