Can Jelani Woods still be an impact player? If you’re just a casual Indianapolis Colts fan, you probably forgot about him. Then again, you might not even know who he is.
Woods, a tight end out of Virginia, missed the past two seasons due to injury. He has only played one NFL season, which was his rookie year in 2022. Therefore, it makes sense not to know much about him.
Yes, Woods has had an injury-plagued career so far. But he possesses the potential to be a solid contributor.
Indianapolis Colts Tight End Jelani Woods Could Still Have a Good Career
His Career Thus Far
Jelani Woods attended Cedar Grove High School in Ellenwood, Georgia. He started at quarterback. He threw for 1,992 yards and 20 touchdowns during his junior year. As a senior, he passed for 2,316 yards and 26 touchdowns.
A three-star recruit, Woods received college offers from Michigan, Louisville, Kansas State, and South Carolina. He ultimately committed to Oklahoma State.
Woods switched to tight end in college. He would spend three seasons at Oklahoma State, catching 31 passes for 361 yards and four touchdowns. Woods then transferred to Virginia for his final season. In 2022, he was named first-team All-ACC after catching 44 passes for 598 yards and eight touchdowns.
The Colts selected Woods in the third round (73rd overall pick) of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was used sparingly as a rookie, seeing just 333 snaps on offense. Yet, he did have a few highlights during the year. Woods was impressive in the Colts’ Week 3 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. He scored two touchdowns in that game as the Colts stunned Patrick Mahomes and Co. 20-17. Woods also had an eight-reception, 98-yard performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12. He finished his rookie year with 25 catches for 312 yards and three TDs
Woods suffered a hamstring injury during the 2023 training camp. As a result, he would miss the preseason and the entire 2023 campaign. Then Woods suffered a toe injury in 2024. The injury forced him to miss the entire year.
The Potential Is There
The Colts certainly could’ve used a healthy Woods last season. Indy used four tight ends: Kylen Granson, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, and Will Mallory. The group combined for only 39 catches for 467 yards and two touchdowns.
Heading into this offseason, tight end was one of the Colts’ biggest needs. The team ended up taking Tyler Warren 14th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. The former Penn State star is expected to be Indy’s best tight end. He caught 104 passes for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
Warren could instantly be a star in Indianapolis. Yet, Jelani Woods could help out as well. Warren and Woods could emerge as a dynamic tight-end duo. He’ll, of course, have to stay healthy. And that has been something he has struggled with.
This offseason, the Colts could move on from Woods. That wouldn’t be surprising, considering his injury history. But keeping him around would be wise. He showed flashes as a rookie. Plus, he has good size (six-foot-seven and 253 pounds) and incredible athleticism. Woods has a bright future if he can avoid the injury bug.
Main Photo: Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar-USA TODAY NETWORK
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