A former scout for the Cincinnati Bengals has revealed that the team was planning to select Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods in the 2025 NFL Draft, but a trade for New York Giants star Dexter Lawrence altered their strategy. The claim was reported by Cincy Jungle on April 23, 2026, citing the scout's comments.
According to the scout, the Bengals had identified Woods as a key target to bolster their defensive line. However, after acquiring Lawrence in a trade, the team shifted its draft priorities. The Bengals ultimately selected other players, though the scout did not specify which picks were affected.
Peter Woods, a standout at Clemson, was projected as a mid-round pick in the 2025 draft. The Bengals' trade for Lawrence, a two-time Pro Bowler, was finalized earlier in the offseason, giving Cincinnati a proven interior presence. The scout's remarks offer insight into the team's draft room deliberations.
