Chiefs rookie already has his priorities right when it comes to making sure his veteran is taken care of in-game
The Kansas City Chiefs have drafted a good group of dudes who can play in the NFL right away, while also helping the veterans.
The Kansas City Chiefs made some strategic picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, as all of their first four picks were centered around defensive needs. They went with the best cornerback in the draft to start, then took one of the best defensive tackles soon after.
Peter Woods, the Chiefs’ No. 29 overall pick, can really be unlocked in this defense. Fans weren’t sure about the pick at first because of his 2025 tape being significantly worse than his 2024 tape. But, he can really help this defense thrive, especially in 2026—getting the most out of Chris Jones while KC still can.
“I think it’s going to be fun. It is gonna be crazy, definitely going to learn a lot, but definitely, you know, I’m gonna bring something to the table that’s gonna allow him to free up,” Woods said when asked about playing with Jones.
“And I can imagine this is gonna happen in the same way for me. And then, you know, a lot of other great guys in that room as well. Norman-Lott, just signed Tonga… some guys that, you know, that I have been talking about with the coaches, stuff that is going to bring a lot of value to that room. So I’m super excited.”
Woods can do whatever the Chiefs need of him
Woods did a little bit of everything in college at Clemson. No, literally, he had two rushing touchdowns, too. But on defense, he lined up everywhere on the defensive line. So when I said they could use him however they needed to free up Jones, I meant it.
In three years at Clemson, Woods had 122 snaps over the A gap, or between the center and the guard. He had 828 snaps over the B gap, 130 over the tackle, and 161 on the outside as an edge rusher. He can do a bit of everything, so whatever the Chiefs will ask of him, won’t be anything he hasn’t done before.
Peter Woods’ 2025 stats at Clemson
- 8% Pass Rush Win Rate
- 3 Sacks
- 14 Pressures
- 21 tackles
Obviously, the jump from college to the NFL is a big difference. No one can truly know what they’re in for until they play their first game. But Woods also had 54 career pressures in college, which is great for someone who drew as many double teams as he did and played in the positions he did. In 2025, Woods had an 8% pass-rush win rate, which isn’t terrible but isn’t elite either. In 2024, he had a 14% win rate, which is very good for how often he was asked to rush the passer.
The Chiefs like what Woods brings to the table in the run and the pass. He will hopefully help Jones show a side of him we haven’t seen in a few years. Jones isn’t significantly worse by any means; he just hasn’t had much help. Now he has it.
