Broncos Predicted To Add ‘Generational Talent’ to Replace $39 Million DT

Your typical college football fan is going to watch Clemson this fall and probably not take their eyes off quarterback Cade Klubnik, who is being projected as a first round pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

That’s a shame. The real show could be on the defensive side of the ball, where defensive tackle Peter Woods could be the best to come through the program since current Las Vegas Raiders star Christian Wilkins.

In one dream scenario, Pro Football Network predicts Woods will land with the Denver Broncos in the first round (No. 20 overall) of the 2026 NFL draft.

From PFN: “Peter Woods falling this far would be surprising, but in these circumstances, the Denver Broncos would not be complaining. He plays with tremendous leverage and quick feet to become a problem to block in the middle of Denver’s defense.”

Woods, 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds, will only be 21 years old when next year’s draft rolls around. He was a Freshman All-American in 2023 and showed signs he’s trending in the right direction in 2024 with 32 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and 1 forced fumble in 11 games. He was also at his best against the best competition, with 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack against Georgia.

Even more impressive for Woods was he did all of that playing multiple positions — defensive tackle, defensive end and even snaps at fullback in Clemson’s “Jumbo” short yardage package.

Woods Could Be Rare Talent, Even For NFL

Woods is a rare athlete who could end up being a type of impact player along the lines of Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who earned NFL All-Pro honors and won a Super Bowl in just his second season in 2024.

ESPN’s Matt Miller and Jordan Reid both have Woods as the No. 1 interior defensive line prospect in the 2026 draft class.

Woods was the No. 9 overall recruit in the nation out of Thompson (Alabama) High School, where he led his team to 4 consecutive Class 7A state championships — the first team in over 20 years to accomplish the feat.

From NFL Draft Buzz: “Born in the heart of Alabama football country, Peter Woods established himself as a generational talent long before setting foot on Clemson’s campus … Now in his junior season, the 6’3″, 315-pound wrecking ball has firmly established himself among college football’s elite defenders. After spending significant time at defensive end in 2024, Woods is expected to shift back inside in 2025, where his combination of power, quickness, and technical savvy could elevate him from standout to superstar.”

Broncos Might Need to Replace $39 Million DT

While the Broncos aren’t huge spenders on the interior defensive line, even the 3-year, $39 million contract signed by defensive tackle D.J. Jones signed in March 2025 could be too rich for their taste in the coming years.

It’s probably a smart bet the Broncos will add an interior defensive lineman in the 2026 draft — regardless of the round — to try and save money on that side of the ball. Edge rusher Nik Bonitto and defensive end Zach Allen both have massive contract extensions on the horizon and both are coming off NFL All-Pro seasons in 2024.