Vikings Eye Clemson DT Peter Woods in 2026 NFL Draft

Minnesota needs to replace two starting defensive tackles, and Woods could be the answer in the first round.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:05pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the powerful movements of a defensive tackle colliding with the offensive line, rendered in a cubist style with sharp, overlapping planes of dark colors.A cubist interpretation of a dominant defensive tackle disrupting the offensive line, reflecting the Vikings' need to find an impact player in the trenches.Clemson Today

The Minnesota Vikings are once again showing interest in Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods as they search for help along the interior of their defensive line ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Woods, a highly touted prospect, has been linked to the Vikings in recent mock drafts as Minnesota looks to replace starters Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, who were released this offseason.

Why it matters

The Vikings' defensive tackle position is a major need this offseason after the team parted ways with two veteran starters. Drafting a talented player like Woods could help shore up the middle of Minnesota's defense and provide a long-term solution at the position.

The details

Woods, a 6'2", 300-pound defensive tackle, is known for his first-step explosion, flexibility, and impressive swipe move. He had 5 sacks over the last two seasons at Clemson and is viewed as a scheme-diverse player who can thrive as both a three-technique and a four-i technique. However, his production dipped in 2025, leading to some questions about his consistency that will need to be answered leading up to the draft.

  • Woods just turned 21 years old.
  • He was considered a potential top-five pick entering his junior season in 2025.

The players

Peter Woods

A defensive lineman from Clemson University who is emerging as a potential first-round target for the Minnesota Vikings in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jonathan Allen

A veteran defensive tackle who was released by the Vikings this offseason after playing over 1,300 snaps in their defense in 2025.

Javon Hargrave

Another veteran defensive tackle who was released by the Vikings this offseason after playing alongside Allen in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“The interior of their defensive line needs a boost after they let go of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Woods was dominant in 2024, but his play tailed off some last year. The talent is there.”

— Pete Prisco, NFL Analyst

“Woods flashes the ability to win with quickness, strength and hand usage — and the next step in his development is for him to do so more consistently. He offers scheme diversity, although he projects best as a three-/4i-technique DT.”

— Dane Brugler, NFL Draft Analyst

What’s next

The Vikings will continue to evaluate Woods and other defensive tackle prospects leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, which is just two weeks away. If they decide Woods is the right fit, they'll have to determine if he's worth selecting with the 18th overall pick or if they should target him later in the draft.

The takeaway

The Vikings' decision to part ways with two veteran defensive tackles this offseason has created a clear need that they are looking to address in the upcoming draft. Peter Woods has emerged as a potential solution, but the team will have to weigh his upside against some inconsistent play in 2025 to determine if he's the right fit at 18th overall.