Peter Woods is my #1 player in the 2026 class and he\u2019s lapping the competition.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also really hard to study this class in depth and not come away thinking Clemson should be the NC favorite. No team that I\u2019ve watched compares to their combo of experience + NFL talent. \u2014 James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) June 26, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n This past draft was the first time since 2009 that the Clemson Tigers<\/a> failed to have one of their players taken in the top 100 selections. The Tigers plan to begin a new streak with the 2026 NFL draft thanks to their superb defensive front. Kansas City Chiefs<\/a> fans need to keep an eye on Clemson\u2019s three top trench players.<\/p>\n Defensive end T.J. Parker and defensive tackles DeMonte Capehart and Peter Woods all aspire to earn top 100 picks. Parker and Woods are consensus first round projections this summer, while Capehart tends to project between the third and fourth rounds. The trio make up Clemson\u2019s latest wave of star defensive linemen.<\/p>\n Woods is a rare talent. His combination of athleticism, explosiveness, natural leverage and power make him a likely top ten pick. Woods wins with speed-to-powerful or a devastating club-swim. He lacks elite arm length but uses heavy hands and his powerful leg drive to walk offensive linemen into the pocket. His agility and motor make him a significant contributor in run defense too.<\/p>\n Parker isn\u2019t as freaky as Woods. He lacks ideal bend in his hips to corner but has mastered a cross-chop that generates some quick wins. Parker\u2019s mid-play acceleration helps him slingshot around offensive tackles. His bull rush is very inconsistent, but he converted speed to power for wins across several games in 2024. Parker\u2019s run defense needs significant work.<\/p>\n Capehart is the opposite of Parker. His run defense is superb. The long-limbed college veteran easily stacks offensive linemen at the point of attack and violently sheds blockers before engulfing the running back. Capehart\u2019s build and play strength make him a two-gapping menace capable of clogging interior run lanes. He occasionally posts pass rush wins with a devasting bull rush.<\/p>\n
-\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/bRmhxCLLnA<\/a><\/p>\n