Clemson LB/S Wade Woodaz profiled for 2026 NFL draft

A scouting report on Clemson senior linebacker/safety hybrid Wade Woodaz highlights his athleticism and special teams potential ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Measuring 6-foot-3 and 234 pounds, Woodaz recorded 70 tackles in 2025 despite injuries. Analysts see him as a late Day 3 or undrafted free agent prospect.

Clemson Tigers senior Wade Woodaz, a 6-foot-3, 234-pound linebacker/safety hybrid, draws attention as a versatile defender for the 2026 NFL Draft. The report praises his ideal build, length as a tackler, sideline-to-sideline range, and sound instincts against the run. He shows serviceable ball skills, quick diagnosis, comfort in man and zone coverage, and underrated pass-rushing ability with good bend and pursuit. Woodaz also brings special teams value with consistent effort snap after snap. His 2025 stats include 70 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 0.5 sack, and three pass breakups over 12 games. Career totals across 51 games: 201 tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss, 9.0 sacks, three interceptions, 11 pass breakups, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one touchdown. He earned third-team All-ACC honors in 2025 and was a three-time All-ACC Academic team member. In 2024, he was one of six national players with 75-plus tackles, three-plus forced fumbles, and an interception. Injuries impacted his seasons: a 2024 leg injury sidelined him against Pitt and The Citadel, while a 2025 shoulder issue ended his year after missing the Pinstripe Bowl and requiring surgery. Born February 5, 2004, Woodaz captained Tampa Jesuit High School to its first state title since 1968 as a 3-star recruit, choosing Clemson over offers from Utah, Iowa, West Virginia, TCU, and Miami. He was voted team captain in 2025, graduated with a marketing degree in December 2025, and has a brother Drew on Clemson's linebacker roster and sister Haley playing soccer at Jacksonville State. He holds a Combine invite. Despite expectations for a 2025 breakout, Woodaz remained productive without elevating significantly. Analysts project him as a core special teams player with sub-package linebacker potential, grading him 6.0 as a pure backup (range 5.5-6.3), comparable to former Raiders LB Miles Burris.

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