Peter Woods — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

An edge rusher could be in play at this spot, but Woods' ability to play in a 1- or 3-technique alignment with pass-rush upside is too good to pass up in a weak defensive tackle class.

Woods is a powerful, explosive interior defensive lineman who consistently wins at the point of attack with violent hands, low pad level and exceptional strength. He's immovable against the run -- stacking, shedding and disrupting plays in the backfield while maintaining gap integrity -- and can overwhelm interior blockers. Though not reliant on a deep move set, Woods' athleticism, effort and persistence allow him to collapse pockets and create chaos from multiple alignments.

The Bengals have to get more stout up front. Their secondary improved down the stretch this past season, but their defensive line did not. Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart are still expected to take the next step in 2026 on the edge, but the team's interior defensive line needs more talent. Woods wasn't as good in 2025 as he was in 2024 or 2023, earning a 72.2 PFF overall grade, compared to 83.7 and 87.6 marks, but he's still a top all-around talent at 3-technique who can hopefully anchor the middle for a long time.

Is this too low for Woods? His stock ultimately could depend on testing and interviews, as his final year at Clemson was not on the level of his first two (though most of the team struggled in 2025). The Chargers would be getting a player with serious potential here.

Finding a disruptive playmate for Derrick Brown could elevate the Panthers' defense in 2026. Woods' athleticism and explosiveness could create problems for opponents attempting to attack between the tackles.

Folks around the league are split on Woods' evaluation. Some don't view him as a first-round pick, but he has the quickness to add to the league's best pass-rush group as an inside rusher.