Peter Woods Becomes First Thompson Warrior to be Selected in the NFL Draft

PITTSBURGH, PA — Peter Woods, a standout defensive tackle from Clemson University, etched his name in history on Thursday night as the Kansas City Chiefs selected him with the 29th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Woods not only became the first player from Thompson High School in Alabaster, Alabama, to be drafted into the NFL but also the first Shelby County native to be selected in the first round.

A Legacy at Thompson High School

Woods’ journey to the NFL began at Thompson High School, where he was a cornerstone of the Warriors’ football dynasty. Under the guidance of head coach Mark Freeman, Woods helped lead Thompson to four consecutive Alabama Class 7A state championships. His dominance on the defensive line earned him numerous accolades, including the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Class 7A Lineman of the Year Award in 2022. He was also named Shelby County Player of the Year and earned back-to-back All-State First Team honors in 2021 and 2022.

As a highly sought-after recruit, Woods was ranked as the No. 9 overall prospect in the Class of 2023 by ESPN. His high school career culminated in an appearance at the prestigious Under Armour All-American Game, further solidifying his status as one of the nation’s top defensive talents.

Clemson Career

Woods continued his football journey at Clemson University, where he played under head coach Dabo Swinney, a fellow Alabama native. Over three seasons with the Tigers, Woods recorded 84 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks. His sophomore season in 2024 was particularly impressive, as he helped Clemson secure an ACC Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff.

Despite a dip in production during his junior year, Woods’ talent and potential remained evident. He earned Second Team All-American honors from the Associated Press, Phil Steele, and USA Today in 2025. His versatility was also on display as he occasionally lined up as a short-yardage fullback, scoring two rushing touchdowns.

Making History in the NFL Draft

The Kansas City Chiefs, coming off a challenging 6-11 season, saw Woods as a key piece to bolster their defensive line. At 6-foot-2.5 and 298 pounds, Woods brings a combination of power and quickness that has drawn comparisons to Chiefs star Chris Jones. Kansas City head coach Andy Reid and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo are optimistic about Woods’ ability to make an immediate impact while learning from seasoned veterans.

Woods’ selection was celebrated not only by his family and friends but also by the Thompson High School community, which hosted a public watch party at its indoor practice facility. His achievement marks a significant milestone for the school and Shelby County, inspiring future generations of athletes.

Looking Ahead

As Woods transitions to the professional level, he carries with him the lessons learned from his time at Thompson and Clemson. “I think that I have the talent, the mindset, and the leadership skills to make an impact immediately,” Woods said during his introductory press conference. “But I also know there’s so much to learn, and I’m blessed to be in a room with veterans like Chris Jones.”

Woods’ journey from Alabaster to the NFL is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and the support of his community. As he dons the Chiefs’ red and gold, all eyes will be on this trailblazing athlete as he aims to leave his mark on the NFL.