What Peter Woods Said Wednesday at the 2026 NFL Combine

The Clemson defensive tackle is among the draft's top players and has been projected to the Chargers of late

Feb 25, 2026 at 09:00 AM

Eric Smith

Editorial Director

There is still two months remaining until the 2026 NFL Draft, but Peter Woods has been a popular projection to the Bolts of late.

Woods, a defensive tackle who is listed at 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, has linked to Jim Harbaugh's team in recent Chargers mock drafts.

Woods said Wednesday in Indianapolis at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine that he brings plenty of juice in the trenches.

"I think it's been pretty consistent. I think I bring a lot of positional versatility," Woods said. "I'm very comfortable at D-tackle playing the 3-tech with pass rush versatility and run game versatility. I think it varies, but one of the best parts of my game is being able to do a lot of different stuff."

While Woods' arm length was a talking point at his Combine podium session, but the 20-year-old dismissed those concerns on Wednesday.

"What's on tape is on tape. One of the best things I do is getting control of a man, assuming he has longer arms than me, and striking him and discarding him," Woods said.

Woods posted 14.5 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks in three seasons at Clemson in his college career.

He was asked Wednesday how he plans on adapting to life in the NFL.

"Yeah, just finding my vets and getting up under their wings and soaking up and learning as much information as possible," Woods said. "It would be naïve for me to think I could come into a league I've never been in before and know it all and have all the answers. So, I'm just eager to learn and eager to get better and take my game to the next level."

Woods noted that he's had some help from being around Clemson's program in recent years, including players who are already in the league.

"Just being a pro. How I attack my offseason, learning my body and learning nutrition from the NFL guys who came back and trained."

As for Woods' week at the Combine, he has met with more than half of NFL teams and is excited to showcase himself as the draft looms in late April.

"It's been great talking ball, them getting to know me and me getting to know the teams. It's been amazing," Woods said.

Here are some top quotes from defensive tackle and edge rusher prospects, listed in alphabetical order, who spoke Wednesday.

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Defensive Tackles

Caleb Banks, Florida

On his arm length and advantage:
"I don't really think it matters about the arm length or the extension that you have, it's about the work and how hard you're going to push yourself. Use my length, I got 35-inch arms, whatever it is I don't pay attention to it. It helps me use separation at the point of attack."

On how he expects to continue to rise after Senior Bowl:
"Just handle my business every single day and being a pro. Showing up on time, going to meetings and being myself. That's all I got to do to make my dreams come true."

Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

On his best attribute:
"I would say my pad level, getting my pads down and using my violent hands is my best attribute. Just playing with power every play, I would say I pride myself with my motor and playing the hardest. When you turn on the tape and watch four quarters, there's nobody that plays more consistent than me."

On his personality:
"That's how I grew up. My mom, she's so influential in my life. Really just being happy, everybody doesn't get this opportunity and I'm just really thankful to be here supported by all my Buckeye guys and all the guys that are here because we're all here for the same reason."

Lee Hunter, Texas Tech

On his infectious energy:

"I just be me all the time, be real. I talk trash but if I talk trash to you then I get your best. And if I get your best then you get me better. And now we're winning."

On what he brings to a team:

"I bring to a team high energy, I'm a football player. You're going to love me in the locker room, feel my presence."