Jaguars Trade Up to Select Clemson DT Peter Woods in 1st Round

Jacksonville gives up 2nd and 6th round picks to move up 26 spots and address a major need on the interior defensive line.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:58pm

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In a surprising move, the Jacksonville Jaguars have traded up into the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select defensive tackle Peter Woods from Clemson. The Jaguars sent their 2nd round (56th overall) and 6th round (203rd overall) picks to the Miami Dolphins to move up 26 spots to the 30th overall selection and land the highly touted Woods.

Why it matters

The Jaguars' interior defensive line was a major weakness in 2025, with only Arik Armstead providing consistent production. Pairing the powerful and athletic Woods with Armstead and DaVon Hamilton gives Jacksonville a formidable trio up the middle that should significantly improve their run defense and pass rush.

The details

At 6'2" and 300 pounds, Woods is an explosive and physical defensive tackle prospect who some analysts believed could be a top-5 pick. He had a strong 2024 season at Clemson with 40 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss, though his production dipped slightly in 2025 as the Tigers' defense struggled. Woods impressed scouts with a 4.86 40-yard dash and 490-pound bench press last offseason, showcasing his rare combination of size and athleticism.

  • The Jaguars made the trade to move up to the 30th overall pick on April 2, 2026, just days before the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Peter Woods

A 6'2", 300-pound defensive tackle prospect from Clemson University who is known for his rare combination of size, strength, and athleticism.

Arik Armstead

The Jaguars' starting defensive tackle who is entering a contract year in 2026.

DaVon Hamilton

A defensive tackle who has been a rotational player for the Jaguars over the past two seasons.

James Gladstone

The general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars who orchestrated the trade to move up and select Peter Woods.

Bruce Feldman

A reporter for The Athletic who projected the Jaguars' trade up to select Peter Woods in his latest NFL mock draft.

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What they’re saying

“With Miami grabbing Delane earlier in the draft, the Dolphins can address their need for a receiver here, but there's not one worth a late-first-round pick, so they deal with Jacksonville, which needs a defensive tackle.”

— Bruce Feldman, Reporter

“The 6-2, 300-pound Woods is an extremely powerful, big athlete who some coaches at Clemson thought would be a top-five pick when he finished his career.”

— Bruce Feldman, Reporter

What’s next

The Jaguars will now turn their attention to the rest of the draft, where they have three third-round picks to address other needs like linebacker, cornerback, and safety.

The takeaway

By trading up to select Peter Woods, the Jaguars have addressed a glaring weakness on their defensive line and acquired a potential impact player on a team-friendly rookie contract. This move demonstrates the team's commitment to building a strong foundation through the draft and should pay dividends for their defense in the coming years.