As the Denver Broncos gear up for the 2026 season, they're facing a pivotal moment with defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers. While there's no animosity in the air, Franklin-Myers is set to become a free agent, and his upcoming payday might be more than the Broncos are willing to shell out. This leaves the team in search of a capable replacement, and the current roster options aren't exactly inspiring confidence.
Enter Genarro Filice's recent mock draft, which has Broncos fans buzzing with excitement. Filice projects the Broncos to snag Clemson standout Peter Woods with the No. 30 overall pick. Woods, once a surefire top-10 pick, saw his stock dip after a lackluster 2025 season.
John Franklin-Myers has quietly been a force in Denver, racking up 14.5 sacks over the past two seasons. His potential departure makes interior defensive line a pressing need for the Broncos.
Woods, despite a down year, still possesses immense potential. If he lands with a contender like Denver, he could prove to be an absolute steal.
Clemson's overall struggles last season, culminating in a 7-6 finish and a Pinstripe Bowl loss to Penn State, weren't solely on Woods. Yet, questions about his dip in production remain.
Bucky Brooks highlights Woods' explosive potential as an interior defender. At 6-3 and 315 pounds, Woods combines quickness and power, capable of blowing past blockers with finesse or brute strength.
However, his stats-five sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss over 35 games-haven’t matched his raw talent.
The big question is whether the Clemson scheme or coaching held him back. Scouts will need to dig deep into his game to understand his true potential. Coaches will also need to evaluate his workouts to devise a plan to unlock his abilities at the next level.
While Woods’ talent is undeniable, his fit in Denver's 3-4 defensive scheme raises questions. He's ideally suited for a 4-3 setup, and his run defense could be a concern.
However, his ability to shed blocks is top-notch, and with improved conditioning, he could thrive. If the Broncos draft him, he wouldn't need to start immediately.
They could rely on Malcolm Roach, D.J. Jones, and Zach Allen, or even Eyioma Uwazurike, until Woods is ready.
Exploring free agency for another defensive lineman is also on the table.
Alternatively, the Broncos might consider trading the No. 30 pick for a top-tier wide receiver like A.J. Brown or Jaylen Waddle. But if Woods is still available late in the first round, taking a chance on his potential could be a gamble worth making.