As the NFL Scouting Combine gets underway, the New York Jets are casting a wide net, meeting with a plethora of top prospects ahead of April’s draft. Among those on their radar are standout defensive players like Ohio State's Arvell Reese and Texas Tech's David Bailey, both of whom have spoken highly of their interactions with the Jets.
The Jets, armed with the second overall pick and another first-rounder at No. 16, are doing their homework. A key focus has been Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods, once touted as a top pick before a dip in his junior year performance. Despite this, the Jets are keenly interested.
Woods, who had a stellar sophomore year with three sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss, saw those numbers decline to two sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss in 2025. Yet, he remains a first-round talent, and the Jets are undeterred. Woods recently confirmed a meeting with the team, one of 18 interviews he's had at the Combine.
“It was a great meeting,” Woods shared. “We talked about ball and installing defenses. It was a valuable experience to get their feedback.”
Beyond discussing his on-field abilities, Woods sought advice on how to elevate his game transitioning to the NFL. “I always ask, ‘Where can I get better?’” he said, appreciating the Jets’ constructive input.
Woods, who draws comparisons to former Jets All-Pro Quinnen Williams, would relish the chance to join the team. He's followed the careers of top defensive tackles closely and seems ready for the challenge.
Clemson has a tradition of producing top-tier defensive tackles, with Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins as prime examples. Woods has the potential to join their ranks, though his shorter arm length has raised concerns among scouts. However, this hasn't been a major issue in his team interviews, indicating strong interest despite this perceived limitation.
Mel Kiper Jr. recently projected Woods to the Jets at No. 16 in his mock draft, underscoring the team's need for interior defensive linemen. As Woods gears up for his Combine workout, it's clear the Jets aren’t the only team eyeing his talents. They’ll need to act decisively if they want to secure his services.