Kansas City Chiefs rookie DT Peter Woods is earning the right type of reputation with Steve Spagnuolo and Joe Cullen at OTAs
Kansas City Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo and Joe Cullen feel that Peter Woods brings a lot to the table. From the way he carries himself off the field to the traits and versatility he brings on the field, he’s earning a good reputation with the coaching staff.
Peter Woods is making his presence felt in Kansas City before he’s even taken a regular-season snap. As OTAs came to a close on Wednesday, it’s apparent he’s impressed the Chiefs’ defensive brain trust of DC Steve Spagnuolo and D-Line coach Joe Cullen. Woods has done so with a blend of polish, versatility, and a quiet confidence that’s hard to ignore.
The pads won’t come on until training camp, at which point his potential will truly be recognized. However, for the time being, he’s doing all of the little things right. The Chiefs added him for his physical tools and his potential, but it’s become increasingly apparent during OTAs that the No. 29 overall pick is the total package.
Chiefs DT Peter Woods 2025 Stats & Facts
Woods played snaps at 10 different unique alignments along the defensive line with the Clemson Tigers in 2025. Here are the five that had the most snaps.
- Defensive Left Tackle: 315
- Defensive Right Tackle: 114
- Defensive Left End: 37
- Nose Tackle: 47
- Defensive Right End: 13
Chiefs rookie DT Peter Woods has something that not all players have and even more going for him
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday at the conclusion of OTAs, Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo was asked about the plan for rookie DT Peter Woods. He didn’t make the mistake of revealing too much. However, he did explain why Woods has impressed him through rookie minicamp and six OTA practices.
“I’ve been really, really impressed with Pete (Woods),” Spagnuolo said. “Not only what he does on the field but the way he carries himself in the hallways. I think I’ve said this to you guys before: When you stand up in front of them in a unit meeting, you can see all the faces. I mean, you know whether they’re in tune. He’s like focused, and that’s a good thing, especially for a lineman. He seems like he’s got football get-it. I thought he made a couple of good plays today, so real hopeful for him.”
As for Joe Cullen, he’s come away impressed with the fun stuff. Woods already shared his first impression of working for D-Line Coach Joe Cullen. On Wednesday, Cullen had a chance to return the favor. Asked about Woods’ strengths coming into Kansas City, Cullen raved about his get-off and athleticism, alongside his size and positional versatility.
“He’s big, he’s explosive, he’s athletic, he played multiple positions at Clemson,” Cullen raved. “And, you know, he has a high motor. He’s 310 pounds and has quickness, explosiveness, and athleticism. He can bend for a big guy.”
As for said versatility, the Chiefs haven’t asked him to bulk up or make any changes to his size. Cullen confirmed they’ll keep him at his current playing weight, which is about the same as DT Chris Jones.
“I like where he’s at right now,” Cullen said. “He asked me that. A couple years prior, they (Clemson) had him playing like a big end in their scheme. They changed coordinators, and he was like 325, but I think he’s great right where he’s at, 305-310, somewhere around there.”