Woodaz: A 'Dog' Ready for NFL Draft

Clemson linebacker Wade Woodaz has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft following a productive two-year starting career. Throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Woodaz recorded 152 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception. His consistent performance earned him an invitation to the prestigious NFL Combine.

At the Combine, Woodaz enjoyed connecting with fellow elite prospects and found the interviews with NFL teams to be a surreal and enjoyable experience. He met formally with the Houston Texans and New York Jets, and has had ongoing discussions with the Seattle Seahawks, Jets, and Los Angeles Chargers. Meetings were also held with the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins.

Woodaz attributes his improvement to a commitment to the process and consistent hard work. He relishes the leadership role at linebacker, emphasizing the importance of building chemistry across the defense. Having played safety in high school, he is comfortable playing downhill and stopping the run, viewing it as a natural translation to his linebacker position.

While acknowledging areas for improvement such as tackling technique, hand usage, and pad level, Woodaz remains dedicated to continuous development. He believes his intensity and determination make him a valuable asset, famously stating, "I'm a dog at the end of the day. I'm going to make the building better."