Peter Woods Draft Grade | Round 1, Pick 29 | FanVerdicts

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Sentiment

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Fan Verdict

Sentiment Analysis

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #23 · 1st Round Talent

Peter Woods enters the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the most physically gifted interior defensive linemen in the class, combining rare athleticism with technical refinement that improved dramatically throughout his Clemson career. Originally recruited as a five-star prospect, Woods took time to develop but emerged as a dominant three-technique penetrator over his final two collegiate seasons. His combination of first-step quickness, hand usage, and pursuit speed makes him a disruptive force capable of collapsing pockets and pursuing plays sideline-to-sideline. While questions remain about his ability to hold up against double teams in obvious running situations, his pass-rushing upside and versatility to play multiple spots along the defensive front make him an attractive Day 1 starter for teams seeking interior pressure.

Strengths

+Exceptional first-step quickness allows him to consistently win the leverage battle against guards, creating immediate penetration into backfields before blockers can establish base.

+Advanced hand technique features violent punch timing and excellent placement, enabling him to shed blocks and create separation even when initially engaged.

+Outstanding lateral agility for his size makes him effective in pursuit, regularly chasing down plays from backside and showing ability to redirect and close on ball carriers.

+Versatile enough to align anywhere from nose tackle to five-technique, giving defensive coordinators flexibility to move him around based on matchups and game situations.

+Consistent motor and effort level rarely see him taking plays off, maintaining pursuit even on plays away from him and showing relentless pass-rushing dedication.

+Strong anchor when properly positioned allows him to hold his ground against centers and guards attempting to drive block, though this improves with better pad level.

+Effective swim and rip moves showcase natural pass-rushing instincts, with timing and sequencing that create clean pockets for his moves to succeed.

+High football IQ demonstrates understanding of offensive concepts, showing ability to diagnose screen passes and misdirection plays before they fully develop.

+Natural leverage player who consistently wins the pad level battle, using his compact frame and flexibility to get underneath taller offensive linemen.

+Explosive closing speed on ball carriers in the hole allows him to make tackles for loss even when offensive linemen initially gain position on him.

Weaknesses

-Struggles to disengage from double teams when offensive lines commit two blockers to him, often getting washed out of running lanes in gap scheme concepts.

-Pad level rises when rushing the passer with maximum effort, reducing his power and making him vulnerable to uppercut punches from experienced centers.

-Limited repertoire of pass-rush moves beyond swim and rip techniques, making him somewhat predictable in obvious passing situations against veteran linemen.

-Size concerns at 295 pounds may limit his effectiveness as a true nose tackle in even fronts, particularly against physical running attacks.

-Inconsistent gap integrity in zone blocking schemes where he can be influenced by linemen working to the second level, creating running lanes.

-Tendency to overrun plays when pursuing from backside, occasionally taking himself out of position due to overzealous effort and poor angle selection.

-Hand placement can be inconsistent when initially engaging blockers, sometimes hitting chest plates instead of creating optimal leverage points on shoulder pads.

NFL Comparison: Chris Jones

Fan voting will be available once grades are published.

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