What draft analysts said about Colts TE Jelani Woods
Continuing to build on the additions of talent and upside through the 2022 NFL draft, no player encapsulates that notion more than Indianapolis Colts tight end Jelani Woods.
A third-round pick for the Colts at No. 73 overall, general manager Chris Ballard was “sweating it out” hoping that Woods would fall to them at their second pick in the draft.
He did, and now the Colts have an intriguing tight end room when he’s added to the talents of Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson.
It might be a minute before Woods makes a massive impact. But the upside is clear. His elite athleticism and size provide the Colts with the chance to have a true difference-maker at the position.
Here’s what the draft analysts had to say about Woods:
Dane Brugler, The Athletic (draft guide)
“A one-year starter at Virginia, Woods was an inline tight end in former offensive coordinator Robert Anae’s balanced scheme. After transitioning from quarterback to “Cowboy Back” at Oklahoma State, he transferred to the Cavaliers for his final season and had a career year in 2021, finishing top 5 in the FBS in touchdowns among tight ends. Woods is a large-sized target with outstanding body control, wingspan and focus to expand his catch radius (70.5% of his receptions in 2021 resulted in a first down or touchdown). He isn’t fluid in his releases or explosive in his routes, but he was at his best on one-cut patterns over the middle of the field (posts, corners, etc.), showing the plant-and-go athleticism to challenge coverage. Overall, Woods needs to tighten up his route-running and overall consistency, but his size, blocking potential and catch point upside are an attractive package. A prototypical Y tight end at the next level, he caters his game after Marcedes Lewis and it shows.”
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
“Woods is an ascending in-line tight end with good size and length, but he needs to keep filling out his long frame and getting stronger as a point-of-attack blocker. While he looks lumbering in the early stages of the route, he plays with good physicality throughout and does a nice job of shielding defenders from playing the football. His hands aren’t great as a blocker or pass-catcher and both will need work, but his breakout 2021 could foreshadow more to come as an in-line backup with upside.”
Natalie Miller, Draft Wire
“The massive upside with Woods will certainly be tempting, as teams could be looking at the next big thing at the tight end position. His rawness and inexperience will likely ward teams off from taking him too early, though. Look for Woods to go somewhere on Day 2, with a team banking on his sky-high-potential.”
Mark Schofield, Touchdown Wire
“With his ability to attack in the middle of the field, great catch radius and what he offers after the catch, Woods could be the perfect developmental tight end for teams on the third day of the draft. His speed and burst, which shows up on film, could lead to a role for NFL offenses starting in Week 1 of his NFL career. You cannot coach size and athleticism, and the potential to serve as that mismatch nightmare will make it hard for teams to pass on him.”
Joe Marino, The Draft Network
“Jelani Woods was an accomplished high school quarterback that originally went to Oklahoma State to be their quarterback but transferred to tight end late in the 2017 season. After 28 starts at Oklahoma State where his role in the passing game was modest, Woods was a graduate transfer to Virginia and emerged as a First-Team All-ACC selection in 2021. Given his height, weight, and wingspan, Woods has the makings of a mismatch down the seam. He has a strong above-the-rim game and he swallows up the football when targeted. He’s a competitive blocker in the run game that does well to establish his frame. That said, Woods’ newness to the position shows up as he’s an underdeveloped route-runner and he’s still developing consistency with his hands. He isn’t a dynamic athlete and his feet are heavy when he runs, but he has good speed once he can fully open his stride. With continued progress as a blocker and overall time on task as a receiver, Woods could settle into a TE2 role at the next level and serve as an asset in 12-personnel groupings. His potential is well worth a mid-to-late day-three selection.”
Tony Pauline, Pro Football Network
“Positives: Imposing tight end who excels as a blocker and holds his own catching the ball. Competes to come away with the difficult catch, uses his hands to separate from opponents, and snatches the ball from the air. Nicely settles into the open spot of the defense to make himself an available target. Explosive blocker who stays square, gets his hands up, and fights hard throughout the action. Strong and turns defenders from plays. Possesses a large frame with growth potential.
Negatives: Doesn’t play to his 40 time and lacks any sort of burst in his game. Poor route runner.
Analysis: Woods is a terrific blocking tight end who displayed a lot of pass-catching skill during three days of Shrine Bowl practices. He lacks great upside but has enough ability to make a roster as a third tight end.”
Mike Renner, Pro Football Focus (draft guide)
“Woods may take a while to put it all together, but his speed and catch radius can play from day one.”
Bleacher Report
“Overall, Woods has the size, length and enough athleticism to be looked at as a developmental Y tight end in the NFL. He flashes pop in his blocks and has steady enough hands to be a friendly option for quarterbacks with the frame and adequate athleticism to be a target in the red zone. Woods will need to work on his technique and ability to sink on his blocks and routes to be a more consistent player. But his long speed, competitiveness and size will find some use on special teams early on in his career.”
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