Two of Clemson’s finest, Blake Miller and Peter Woods, are already drawing attention with their new NFL teams this offseason. Both former Tigers are drawing rave reviews from their coaches, according to ESPN.
Clemson once again proved its NFL pipeline is alive and well, sending two more first-rounders to the league in April. The Detroit Lions snapped up Miller at No. 17 overall, while the Kansas City Chiefs landed Woods with the 29th pick.
Miller Making His Mark in Detroit
Miller anchored Clemson’s offensive line for four years, rewriting the record books along the way. He set the all-time program mark for career snaps from scrimmage with 3,778 across 54 straight starts—every single game of his career. The three-time All-ACC pick also owns the Clemson record for consecutive starts by a non-specialist.
With his first-round selection, Miller became the highest-drafted Clemson offensive lineman since 1960, when Lou Cordileone and Harold Olson both went in the top 13 picks. That’s rare company for a Tiger big man.
Detroit is eyeing Miller as a possible Day 1 starter at right tackle, especially as they shift All-Pro Penei Sewell over to the left side. Miller has already been working with the first-team offense during veteran minicamp.
“There’s so many resources available to me, and everyone is willing to help and that is everything,” Miller told ESPN. “Having guys on this staff who have played a lot of football really helps, and I love it here.”
Lions head coach Dan Campbell likes what he sees from the rookie, praising Miller’s approach and work ethic as he adjusts to the pro game.
“He wants to do it right,” Campbell said on June 11. “He tries to do what you ask him to do, what he’s coached to do. It’s just, it’s early. There’s things he learns every day. Look, even for not being a physical aspect to this with pads, that D-line doesn’t cut him really any slack, either. So, whoever lines up over him is trying to [make things tough on him].
“That’s kind of part of it. So, Sewell went through it a little bit, Hutch [defensive end Aidan Hutchinson] went through it a little bit. They just kind of all want their [good reps]. Not in a bad way. So, he’s learning. And as long as he continues to grow and just take these small steps every day, he’ll be fine.”
Woods Turning Heads in Kansas City
Woods arrives in the NFL fresh off an All-America campaign in 2025, becoming Clemson’s first AP All-American at defensive tackle since Christian Wilkins in 2018. Over 35 games and 24 starts, Woods piled up 99 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pass breakups. He even chipped in two rushing touchdowns on offense, showing off his athleticism.
While Woods may not crack the starting lineup right away, the Chiefs expect him to be a key piece in their defensive line rotation, especially as an interior pass rusher next to All-Pro Chris Jones.
“I’ve been really, really impressed with Pete,” defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said. “Not only [with] what he does on the field but the way he carries himself in the [classroom].”
Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen praised the 310-pound rookie's attributes, noting the versatility Woods showcased in 2024 when splitting time between defensive tackle and defensive end.
“He’s big, he’s explosive, he’s athletic, he played multiple positions at Clemson, and he has a high motor,” Cullen said on June 3. “He’s 310 pounds, and he has quickness, explosiveness and he’s athletic. He can bend for a big guy.”
Gazing Forward
Both Miller and Woods are set to make their NFL debuts in mid-September. Miller and the Lions get things off at home against the Saints on Sunday, September 13, while Woods and the Chiefs get the national spotlight on Monday Night Football against the Broncos at Arrowhead. Clemson fans will want to tune in.
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