Draft expert raves about new Chiefs defensive lineman Peter Woods
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- The Chiefs selected Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods with the 29th overall pick.
- Jonah Tuls praised Woods for strong run defense and disruptive stack/shed skills.
- Scouting reports project Woods as a developing interior defender with starter potential.
The Chiefs made it two defensive picks in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft when they selected Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods with the 29th overall choice on Thursday night.
ESPN’s Nick Saban said Woods, who is listed at 6-foot-2 1/2 and 298 pounds, is an excellent pass-rusher.
Jonah Tuls, who worked for the Draft Network, raved about Woods.
“Don’t overthink Peter Woods,” Tuls wrote on X. “He may not be the elite prospect we thought before the season because he just didn’t quite take that leap yet as a rusher, but the flashes of talent are there and his consistency vs the run is really good with high-level stack/shed skills. He’s one of the most disruptive players in this class with his best still ahead of him (just turned 21).
“His tape was outstanding in ‘24 and I think people are overcorrecting a little bit because his ‘25 tape didn’t match the expectations. It’s still good film. Similar to Faulk’s outlook, I think he’s a high floor, high ceiling player with how stout he is vs the run while he develops as a rusher.”
Tuls shared these highlights of Woods.
Woods joins Mansoor Delane as the Chiefs’ first round picks.
In its draft profile, the NFL wrote this: “Woods is a young interior defender with room to add play strength as he fills out his frame. He’s not a pure one- or two-gap fit, but he’s capable in both schemes. He plays with good lower-body explosiveness into initial contact, keeping his hands and feet synced to work around blocks when needed.
“He’s more of an active brawler than double-team eating tree stump. Shorter arms allow blockers to crowd his frame and force him to fight harder at the point. Yet, his ability to overtake and win as the rep progresses is impressive. He lacks quick-win talent as a solo rusher, but he’s fully functional as part of a pocket-collapsing collective. His 2024 tape might be a better representation of his upside, but Woods clearly has the potential to become a solid starter in an even front.”
This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 10:03 PM.
