Clemson Star Peter Woods Receives Favorable NFL Draft Projection

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

However, after a rough 2025 season with the Tigers, Woods draft stock has fallen. He came into the season as a potential top-five pick, but in some mock drafts has fallen all the way out of the first round.

That wasn't the case in Fox Sports' latest mock draft, as they have Woods landing with the New Orleans Saints with the 8th overall pick.

Woods did have a dominant 2024 season and has the potential to develop into one of the top players in the class. At his best, Woods would be a quality defensive lineman for the Saints to add.

In 2024, he posted 28 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble. He followed that up in 2025 with 30 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks.

If he were to join the Saints, it would strengthen a defensive line that needs some long-term pieces.

Longtime defensive end Cameron Jordan is a free agent, and even if he returns, he is 36 and won't be around much longer.

Adding a player of Woods' potential would address their defensive line, but would be a risky pick at eight.

For Clemson, Woods' regression in 2025 speaks volumes about how their season went. The Tigers entered the year expecting to be a contender to win the National Championship and make it to the College Football Playoff.

However, they went just 7-6, falling well short of a College Football Playoff berth and did not even make it to the ACC Title Game.

Head coach Dabo Swinney and the Tigers will now need to have players step up as players like Woods, Avieon Terrell, T.J. Parker, Cade Klubnik, and more head off to the NFL.

It could be a make-or-break season for Swinney, as Clemson must bounce back. While Swinney focuses on turning the program around, Woods will look to have a strong combine and interview process to rise back up draft boards, as most mock drafts have him going late in the first round or early in the second.

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