Should the Chargers draft Peter Woods?
Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods was a consensus top-five prospect heading into the season. However, after a rocky 2025 campaign, he isn’t viewed in the same light. Now, he’s projected to go in the mid to late first round. Despite the concerns hovering around his performance last year, he would be a home run selection for the Los Angeles Chargers if he fell to pick 22. Charles McDonald at Yahoo Sports recognized the pairing and mocked Woods to the Chargers in a recent mock draft.
“Woods has all the upside in the world to be an impact player on the interior and still flashed strong skills in a down year for the entire Clemson program,” McDonald wrote. “Woods would be a great young talent for the Chargers to add with the emerging Tuli Tuipulotu on the edge.”
Woods tallied 2.5 sacks and three tackles for loss last year, obviously a disappointing season. But, as McDonald noted, it’s important to understand that Woods' struggles in 2025 weren’t entirely his fault. The whole Clemson program was dysfunctional, which largely stemmed from the scheme. It’s evident in his film that he wasn’t put in the best position to impact the game.
Regardless of last season, Peter Woods is still a talented prospect
Woods is an impactful player on the interior. He has an outstanding first step, allowing him to be in the backfield consistently. Additionally, he can stack and shed well, which helps him release from blocks and make a play. He’s a three-down player at the next level and can affect the game on every snap.
From an athletic standpoint, Woods stands alone. He ranked number five on Bruce Feldman’s Annual Freaks List with a 490-pound bench, 700-pound squat, 4.86 40-yard dash, and 33-inch vertical jump. This gives him a constant advantage, as few offensive linemen can keep up with him.
Woods would fit perfectly on the Chargers with these traits. Defensive tackle is a major need for them. They re-signed Teair Tart to a three-year deal this offseason, but have little depth behind him. It’s imperative they address this and bolster their defensive line.
Overall, Peter Woods is still an outstanding prospect worthy of a first-round pick, regardless of how his 2025 campaign went. He’s a three-down player who can dominate the opposing lineman consistently. He would be a perfect selection if he fell to the Chargers at pick 22 in April.