Bengals Eye Clemson’s Peter Woods in Latest Mock Draft
CINCINNATI — As the Cincinnati Bengals look to solidify their roster for the future, the latest mock draft from Pro Football Focus has them making a surprising selection. Trevor Sikkema’s projection for the 2026 NFL Draft suggests the Bengals could snag Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods with the 10th overall pick.
Draft Positioning and Needs
Currently, Cincinnati holds approximately a 52.4% chance of landing a top 10 pick by season’s end. This positioning is crucial as the Bengals assess their roster needs. According to Sikkema, the team’s most pressing areas for improvement are edge rusher, defensive tackle, and interior offensive line.
“The Bengals have drafted a defensive lineman in the top 50 in each of the last three drafts, yet they still need more impact along the front,” Sikkema noted. While Woods did not have the standout season many expected, his potential remains sky-high, making him an intriguing prospect.
Potential Alternatives
In addition to Woods, Sikkema mentions safety Caleb Downs as another strong possibility for Cincinnati, depending on how the franchise evaluates first-round value at that position.
Woods’ Draft Profile
Peter Woods stands out as the premier defensive tackle in this draft class, currently ranked 10th overall on Mock Draft Database’s consensus big board. The next closest defensive tackle, Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald, is projected at 28th overall. Cincinnati’s defensive line has struggled to produce notable talent this season, making Woods a potential game-changer. At 6-foot-3 and weighing 315 pounds, Woods recorded 30 tackles and two sacks in the past season, showcasing his capability to disrupt opposing offenses.
For fans eager to stay updated on the Bengals’ draft prospects and other team news, a range of resources are available, including in-depth analyses and podcasts.
