The Las Vegas Raiders invested a lot in defensive lineman Christian Wilkins, but as we've seen with so many high-profile Raiders moves over the years, the investment didn't pan out.
Wilkins' first season in Las Vegas was marred by injury, limiting him to just five games. Then, after disagreements about how to deal with his injury setback this offseason and the kiss heard 'round the world, Wilkins was cut loose.
With Wilkins gone, the Raiders don't have a long-term solution up the middle. On SI's Richie Bradshaw predicts Las Vegas will address that need by taking Clemson defender Peter Woods with the No. 7 overall pick in next year's draft.
Here's what Bradshaw said about Woods and him going to the Raiders:
If Parker doesn't lead Clemson's front seven, then my bet is on Woods. The big man is a space eater and showed great improvements as a pass rusher last season. He enters the new season as one of the biggest and most fondly perceived defensive prospects for 2026... no pun intended.
The Raiders were just burned by another former star Clemson defensive lineman, Christian Wilkins, so there could be some nervous fans. However, like we said about the Giants drafting Mauigoa, you can't let one guy scare you from a prospect. Woods can be the run stuffer and high-potential pass rusher they believed they were getting when they signed Wilkins.
Woods took a sizeable step forward in 2024, with the lineman tallying two more tackles, three more sacks and six more tackles for loss than the previous season.
Entering 2025, ESPN ranks Woods as the ninth-best player in college football.
"Woods alternated between defensive tackle and defensive end last season, and what is so intriguing about his potential headed into his junior year is what new coordinator Tom Allen will ask him to do. Clemson plans to be more aggressive with its entire D-line, a prospect that Woods has embraced," the outlet wrote.
Woods offers an intriguing blend of pass-rush and run-defense skills, making him a candidate to be a three-down lineman at the next level.
If the Raiders don't see a quarterback they like in the first round, beefing up the defensive front with a player like Woods makes a ton of sense.
MORE LAS VEGAS RAIDERS NEWS
Infamous Raiders blockbuster trade ranked among biggest in NFL history
Raiders predicted to replace Geno Smith with 4,700-yard, 30-TD Big 10 passer
Pete Carroll makes startling admission about Raiders' CB situation
Raiders awarded one of the preseason sacks leaders from waivers
Amari Cooper talks 'unfinished business,' fears about his possible decline