Clemson's Peter Woods Joins Talented Defense in Mock Draft

Clemson Tigers star Peter Woods is one of the top defensive tackles in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

Woods came into the season as a likely top-five pick in the draft, but regressed in the 2025 season.

In 2024, Woods had a breakout campaign, finishing with 28 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks.

He followed it up in 2025 with 30 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. Woods' production dropping off lowered his draft stock to a likely middle-to-late first-round selection.

In The Athletic's latest mock draft, Woods lands with the Minnesota Vikings with the 18th overall pick.

This would be an interesting fit for Woods, as he would join a Vikings team that has a talented defense under defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

He would fit well on Minnesota's defensive line, and with a coordinator like Flores, they could maximize Woods' potential.

The Vikings could use more talent on their interior defensive line. Minnesota is in a position to take the best player available, as they have needs at cornerback, offensive line, and defensive line.

If they view Woods as the best player on the board at 18, it would make sense to draft him as he fills a position of need on Flores' defense.

Clemson will miss Woods' production on their defensive line despite a drop in numbers in 2025. The Tigers are losing some key starters to the draft, including Woods, Avieon Terrell, T.J. Parker, and Cade Klubnik. 

Head coach Dabo Swinney has his work cut out for him heading into 2026 as Clemson needs a bounce-back season. The Tigers will need to replace some key starters while improving across the board, as they went just 7-6 in 2025.

Clemson entered the season as a contender to win the National Championship, but did not make it to the College Football Playoff or the ACC Title Game.

Swinney will attempt to turn the Tigers in 2026, while Woods will look to make his mark in the NFL after a quality college career at Clemson. 

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