The Houston Texans drafted Clemson Tigers linebacker Wade Woodaz in the fourth round, 123rd overall, in the 2026 NFL Draft. Woodaz had a solid four-year stint at Clemson, totaling 201 tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, three interceptions, one pick-six, 11 pass breakups, and four forced fumbles across 51 games and 30 starts. He had a solid senior season, recording 70 tackles, seven tackles for loss, a half sack, and three pass breakups in 12 games, along with a 7% missed tackle rate, seven pressures, a 10.3% run stop rate, and allowed an 89.1 passer rating.
In his rookie season, Woodaz will compete for the No. 3 linebacker role and top backup position, but most of his contribution will be on special teams.
Houston Texans ink core special teamer with 4-year deal
NFL Scouting Combine, Clemson Tigers, Houston Texans, Wade Woodaz
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson linebacker Wade Woodaz (LB28) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
According to Aaron Wilson of KRPC 2, the Texans have signed Wade Woodaz to a four-year rookie contract. The deal is worth $5.482 million, including a $1.102 million signing bonus. In addition, Woodaz has a chance to earn more money in Year 4 from Proven Performance Escalators if he makes a Pro Bowl on the original ballot or averages over 35% or more of snaps through the first three seasons.
#Texans sign fourth-round linebacker Wade Woodaz to four-year, $5.482 million deal @KPRC2 https://t.co/pK27bC5xpb https://t.co/4tfe1FYVOJ
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 13, 2026
Lance Zierlein
Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL Network Draft media analyst Lance Zierlein during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“Two-year starter who punches in and goes to work but fails to stamp games with high-level impact. Woodaz has adequate size and diagnose quickness. However, he lacks base strength and take-on pop to keep himself clean through contact.
“He displays good awareness in zone drops and has enough man-cover talent to match with some pass-catching tight ends underneath. Woodaz needs to add strength, play faster and become more forceful in everything he does. He has a chance to develop into an average backup Will linebacker, but his work on special teams is what will get him on the field early on.”
He projects as an average backup or special-teamer.
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