Chiefs draft Clemson DT Peter Woods with pick No. 29 in NFL draft

Lou Bezjak, The State on Apr 23, 2026

Published in Football

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Peter Woods entered Clemson as a highly-touted recruit and leaves as a first-round NFL draft pick.

The Kansas City Chiefs selected the Clemson defensive tackle with 29th overall pick in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday night. Woods becomes the first Tigers defensive tackle to go in the first round since the New Orleans Saints picked Bryan Bresee in the 2023 NFL draft.

Woods was a five-star prospect coming out of Thompson High in Alabama and was a two-year starter for Dabo Swinney and Clemson. In 35 career games, Woods had 84 tackles (14.5 for loss) and five sacks. His production dipped some this year because he faced more double teams.

Woods was projected as a possible first or second-round pick in most mock drafts, going as high as pick No. 22 or as low as No. 37.

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper called Woods “quick, athletic and strong” adding that “The talent of Peter Woods is through the roof.”

The 2026 NFL draft is being held in Pittsburgh and continues with Rounds 2-3 starting Friday at 7 p.m. and Rounds 4-7 starting Saturday at noon. Broadcasts are available on NFL Network, ABC, ESPN and ESPN Deportes.