With the month of March officially here, all 32 NFL franchises are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft. The scouting combine is officially in the rearview mirror, which means that teams have some additional clarity about what the 2026 draft class could look like and, more specifically, what players could be ideal fits in Dennis Allen's defense.
For the Chicago Bears, this year's draft will represent a significant opportunity to continue adding to the foundation that was established during the first year of the Ben Johnson-Ryan Poles era. Despite the presence of Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dexter, and Shemar Turner on the roster, defensive tackle is still a need for Chicago.
Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Peter Woods is a name that has been linked to the Bears at No. 25 overall. A pillar for the Tigers defense over the last three years, Woods will now head to the NFL with a chance to hear his name called in the first-round as one of the upcoming draft's top interior defenders.
Let's get into our scouting report on Woods.
Peter Woods, Clemson, (6-foot-2, 298 pounds)
From his NFL.com draft profile via Lance Zierlein:
"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."
Film:
Strengths:
- A key part of the Tigers defensive line over the last three years. Woods has logged a total of 24 starts since stepping onto campus in 2023.
- One of the younger draft prospects in this year's class. Woods will be 21 when he hears his name called in April's draft.
- High upside potential with a lot of room to grow as he continues filling out his frame.
- Power and explosiveness flash consistently on film.
- Will impact the game as an even or odd front defender, lining up in a variety of spots.
- Hands and feet consistently mirror each other, allowing him to shed blocks quickly.
- Understands the importance of playing with gap integrity even though it may not always show on film.
- Continued to improve every year as a pass rusher.
Weaknesses:
- Missed opportunities as a run defender due to constant overpursuit of the ball carrier.
- Shorter arms (31.25 inches) could be a concern for some teams.
- Had some lapses in play throughout his college career. Woods needs to be a more consistent player overall for him to really take another step forward.
- Will have to figure out how to improve his anchor as he continues developing.
Does Woods fit the Bears defense?
With the Bears running an even front, Woods has all the traits and athleticism needed to be an effective player for the defense, especially as a run defender. Fundamental aspects of good defensive line play such as strong hands and quick feet, are two reasons he appears to be a budding star, but in the Bears defense, he will need to learn how to generate more pass rush and be more disciplined as a run defender.
Taking Woods with the 25th overall pick would signal that the front office and coaching staff are willing to look past his shorter arms and lack of consistency on tape, putting stock into his traits and athleticism. He'd be given a year to develop and learn behind veterans Jarrett and Dexter before potentially taking over as a starter in 2027.
Conclusion:
A solid, high-upside prospect, teams will buy into what Woods can develop into instead of just focusing on what he currently is. With a player of his caliber, teams are either looking at a player who is a foundational piece on defense to build around or a player who ends up being a rotational piece throughout his career.
Not a VIP subscriber to the Bear Report? Sign up now to get access to everything publisher Zack Pearson and the entire Bear Report team have to offer on all things Chicago Bears and access to the No. 1 site covering the team!