The Buffalo Bills have more than a few things to worry about going into the NFL offseason. With several issues to address and relatively limited salary cap space to work with, general manager Brandon Beane will need to have a strong draft in order to keep the Bills in contention for a Super Bowl.
Though many of the pundits out there have the team addressing the wide receiver issue, defensive line could use some work as well. As the Bills transition into a 3-4 base defense, there are a few names that make a lot of sense. One of them is first-round defensive line prospect Peter Woods from Clemson.
Clemson DL Peter Woods 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 315 lbs
Expected 40-Yard Dash: 4.75-4.80
Recruiting: No. 36 nationally in the class of 2023, No. 8 DL, No. 6 player in Alabama
College Production: 84 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles in 35 career games
Positives
- Elite first-step explosiveness, especially with his size, causing massive issues for guards right from the snap.
- Bend is elite, allowing him to get through gaps other interior linemen simply cannot.
- Devastating hand strikes that put linemen on their heels immediately.
- Great range despite his size, chasing down players substantially smaller than he is.
- Great swipe move that beats guards routinely.
- Freakish athlete in nearly every measurable.
- High motor for 60 minutes, pursuing plays to the whistle no matter the situation.
Woods has the kind of elite athleticism and motor that makes him a presence on every snap. Though he might not have the elite size to be an anchor, he mitigates that with powerful hand moves, elite quickness, and consistently high effort on every play. He is the kind of guy who sets the tone for the rest of the line.
Negatives
- Gap inconsistency is a real problem, tends to gamble more than being disciplined and doing his job.
- Production isn’t quite there despite impressive physical traits.
- Tackling technique is sloppy and can mitigate his motor when he misses tackles.
- Limited pass-rushing repertoire leaves him inconsistent against stronger and more disciplined blockers.
Woods’ lack of production is a bit concerning, and he can be moved if not creatively positioned. He isn’t going to be the anchor in the middle of the defense that some teams might be looking for, more of an explosive, disruptive force when used properly.
Peter Woods NFL Player Comparison: Grady Jarrett
Woods doesn’t exactly have prototypical size at 6’3”, but he packs a lot of power and disruption into his game. The Jarrett comparison is ample with his high-end being Jeffrey Simmons of the Tennessee Titans. His high motor and explosive athleticism will make him a handful against both the pass and run.
Woods’ Fit with the Buffalo Bills
Woods has the size and explosive quickness to be an ideal defensive end in defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard’s 3-4 base. His motor, explosive first step, and strong hands give him the skill set required to cause havoc.
He needs to work on better holding up against double teams, especially if the Bills don’t have a true space-eater at DT. Working with him to refine his gap discipline will go a long way toward making him a more well-rounded player.
Peter Woods NFL Draft Guide: Mid-First Round
There is some debate about where Woods will go. Some have him as a fringe top 10 prospect, while others have him sliding to the back end of the first round. If he fell to the Bills at No. 26, it would be tremendous value and go a long way toward giving Leonhard disruptors for his defense.