Full Breakdown
Chiefs Draft Clemson Defensive Tackle Peter Woods at No. 29
4/24/2026, 12:28:33 PM
Draft Selection and Trade Mechanics
On April 23, 2026 the Kansas City Chiefs used the No. 29 overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft to select Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods. The pick came from Los Angeles Rams in the trade that sent cornerback Trent McDuffie to Los Angeles, giving Kansas City a second first-round pick at No. 6 (Mansoor Delane).
Woods’ College Production and Physical Profile
Woods entered the draft after three seasons at Clemson, appearing in 35 games with 24 starts. He recorded 84 tackles (14.5 for loss), five sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass deflection. In 2025 he earned first-team All-ACC honors with 30 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and two passes defensed, despite double- and triple-team assignments. He measures 6-foot-3 and 298 pounds.
Defensive Tackle Drafting History in Kansas City
Kansas City’s most successful interior-line pick is defensive tackle Chris Jones, taken 37th overall in 2016 after a heated debate with Robert Nkemdiche. Jones has become a franchise cornerstone with 339 tackles, 87.5 sacks, seven Pro Bowls and six All-Pro honors. His impact sets a high benchmark for any new DT prospect.
Analyst Assessment and Divergent Grades
Arrowhead Pride analysts gave reviews. Caleb James praised Woods as a “penetrator” with immediate pass-rush upside, while Nate Christensen criticized his size, length and lack of refined moves. Rocky Magana called him a raw player who still needs development. Draft grades ranged from B+ (James) to D (Christensen) and C+ (Magana), showing uncertainty over Woods’ ceiling.
Potential Impact and Upcoming Evaluation
The Chiefs seek a successor to Jones on the defensive line. Woods’ size and burst could bolster run defense and pass-rush depth, but his development will decide if he becomes a starter. He will report to rookie minicamp in May for coaches to assess his pass-rush technique and run-stop consistency. Rotation with Jones would signal rapid progress; otherwise he may remain a developmental player.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He was often double- and triple-teamed in his final season at Clemson, which contributed to his lack of gaudy stats, but also struggled with consistency.” — Derrian Carter, Clemson athletics reporter, The Greenville News
- “Woods is a penetrator and can win snaps quickly, and with good lateral movement ability and burst off the snap, he can be an immediate impact maker on pass rush downs for the Chiefs.” — Caleb James, Arrowhead Pride Draft Analyst
- “He lacks size and length, which makes it hard for him to get off blocks cleanly.” — Nate Christensen, Arrowhead Pride Draft Analyst
- “He has all the tools to reach that ceiling but he is still a very raw player who has yet to put it all together.” — Rocky Magana, Arrowhead Pride Draft Analyst
