Wade Woodaz is a converted safety who transitioned to linebacker at Clemson Tigers football, bringing rare coverage ability to the position. At 6 ‘3”, 235 pounds, Woodaz possesses excellent length and elite man coverage ability, allowing him to operate effectively in space and match up with tight ends and running backs. A Second Team All-ACC selection, Woodaz has developed into a versatile defensive player with intriguing upside at the next level.
Woodaz’s athletic profile is highlighted by long strides and fluid movement, allowing him to cover ground quickly and track ball carriers from sideline to sideline. Woodaz has the speed and range to carry routes vertically and match backs out of the backfield, making him a valuable coverage defender in modern sub-package defenses.
In the run game, Woodaz flashes disruptive ability, but remains inconsistent with his processing of run fits. He occasionally struggles to diagnose run flow away from him, particularly against gap-scheme concepts involving pulling guards. At times, he appears a step late when reading his guard to the running back key, which prevents him from attacking downhill immediately. However, when Woodaz trusts his instincts and shoots gaps aggressively, he has game-changing playmaking ability.
Woodaz must also improve his ability to take on blocks. He has a tendency to absorb contact rather than deliver a violent strike to the chest plate of offensive linemen. Improving hand placement and playing with more physicality will allow him to disengage from blockers and maintain leverage at the point of attack.
Tackling consistency is another area for improvement. Woodaz often approaches ball carriers high and fails to explode his hips through contact when wrapping up, which leads to missed tackles in space. Lowering his pad level and maintaining stride length through contact will allow Woodaz to finish plays more consistently.
Overall, Woodaz projects as a developmental linebacker with high upside due to his rare coverage ability and athletic profile. If he improves his physicality, tackling mechanics, and run-processing consistency, he has the potential to become a valuable contributor in modern NFL defenses.
Scheme and Team Fit:
Woodaz projects best as a WILL linebacker in a four-down defensive front that utilizes man coverage concepts. His ability to match running backs and tight ends makes him particularly valuable in Cover 1 and other man-free structures.
Woodaz would benefit from playing behind a strong defensive line that can occupy blockers and create clean run-through lanes for linebackers. Defensive systems such as those used by the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys would maximize Woodaz’s range, and coverage ability by allowing him to flow freely to the football while defensive linemen control interior gaps.
NFL Player Comparison: Alex Anzalone
Woodaz’s NFL comparison is Alex Anzalone. Both players are athletic linebackers who rely on speed, range, and coverage ability to make plays. Like Anzalone, Woodaz projects as a linebacker capable of matching running backs and tight ends in coverage while pursuing plays sideline to sideline.
Projection: Backup / Special Teams Contributor
Woodaz’s path to significant defensive playing time will depend on improvements in physicality, tackling consistency, and run diagnosis. His limited pass-rush production and current developmental status place him slightly behind other linebacker prospects entering the draft as well.
Grade and Round Projection:
Woodaz grades out as a 3 of out 7, and is a projected 6th round selection.
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