Grading the pick: Kansas City Chiefs risk it on a boom or bust defensive lineman who was once projected as a top 10 draft pick
The Kansas City Chiefs are taking the right type of gamble for pick No. 29, selecting Clemson DT Peter Woods after a down year in the ACC.
The second pick of the night is in for the Kansas City Chiefs!
With the No. 29 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Chiefs select Clemson DT Peter Woods. At pick No. 6, they selected LSU CB Mansoor Delane, so this marks their second defensive pick this draft.
The last time the Chiefs made a selection at pick No. 29, it was actually a Round 2 selection in the 1978 NFL Draft. The team selected DT Sylvester Hicks out of Tennessee State. At No. 29 in the 1965 AFL Draft, the Chiefs selected a franchise legend, WR Otis Taylor.
Everything to know about new Chiefs DT Peter Woods
Age: 21
A to Z Sports Draft Projection: Round 1, Pick 19
Career Projection: Boom or Bust Starter Potential
Going into the season, Peter Woods was projected to be a top-five pick by most draft analysts. He was an explosive pass rusher that the Clemson Tigers moved all over their line to maximize his pass rushing ability, including playing him at edge rusher. For multiple reasons, Woods’ production took a big step backward and so has his draft stock. Whoever gets Woods will be hoping they can get the 2024 version, as he looked like a future Pro Bowl player. Immediately, Woods will be a good rotational player who can emerge as a three-down menace.
Tyler Forness
A to Z Sports
The Chiefs pair Chris Jones with Clemson DT Peter Woods
This is a unique pick for the Kansas City Chiefs. Many fans were probably hoping for an edge rusher at this spot, but Peter Woods could be just as impactful an addition along the interior defensive line.
Woods was once tabbed as a top-five draft pick after displaying dominant flashes in 2024, but he underachieved alongside the rest of the Clemson team in 2025. He recorded just 29 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and three quarterback hurries, along with a forced fumble and a pass batted in 12 games. The season prior? He had 28 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks in 11 games.
This is very much so an upside bet for the Chiefs. They’re betting on the tape and moments where Woods looked incredibly quick and dominant off the snap. They clearly believe Joe Cullen can coach Woods to more of those flashy moments. They believe that pairing him with a guy like Chris Jones will unlock a new part of his game.
Grade: A-
