Clemson Tigers DL who was No. 5 on 'Freaks List' makes final NFL Draft decision

Jeff Hauser

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Clemson Tigers DL who was No. 5 on 'Freaks List' makes final NFL Draft decision image

Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on Tuesday, becoming the second Tigers underclassman in 24 hours to announce his departure. 

The junior has been a projected first-round selection and made his decision public on social media, thanking his family, teammates and Clemson community for their support.

“I am excited to announce that I will be declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft,” Woods wrote. “It has been an honor to wear the paw these last few years, and it will always be a part of me, but the time has finally come.”

A former five-star recruit and freshman All-American in 2023, Woods entered the 2025 season with significant expectations. He posted a quieter junior campaign statistically, finishing with 40 tackles, including 3.5 for loss, and two sacks. Over his Clemson career, he recorded 59 tackles (11 for loss), three sacks and two forced fumbles across 23 games.

Despite average production this fall, Woods remains one of the most physically gifted prospects in the upcoming class. He ranked No. 5 on Bruce Feldman’s annual “Freaks List,” highlighted by a 490-pound bench press, 700-pound squat, 4.86-second 40-yard dash and a 33-inch vertical at 310 pounds.

Woods, an Alabama native, said his gratitude extended well beyond football. “To my Clemson family: Thank you for welcoming a young kid from Alabama with open arms,” he wrote. “I wouldn’t be the man or player I am today were it not for this culture.”

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Staff Writer