The Indianapolis Colts continued to add weapons to the offense during the second day of the 2022 NFL draft. At No. 73 overall in the third round, the Colts selected tight end Jelani Woods out of Virginia.
Woods is a massive prospect, standing at a towering 6-foot-7 and weighing in at 259 pounds, and the idea of pairing him with another match-up nightmare in Mo Alie Cox is a potentially dangerous combo.
Alie-Cox is stepping into the starting role after the retirement of long-time reliable option Jack Doyle this offseason. Woods gives another great young option to develop behind him alongside second-year tight end Kylen Granson.
Woods is a very raw prospect, but clearly Chris Ballard and his staff see the huge potential in him at the position. Should he be able to keep growing into his size and developing into a pro-level target in the passing game, and also finding a way to contribute early on special teams, snaps should be very easy for Woods to find his rookie season.
In terms of speed, Woods was able to perhaps help his stock with running a 4.61 40 time at the combine and also adding 24 reps on the bench press. Woods has all the makings of a big and fast target, but will need to work on developing his receiving skills and growing as an in-line blocker to help the running game, which will still be a main focus of the offense.
Woods put up impressive stats in his only season at Virginia in 2021 grabbing 44 passes for 598 yards, and eight touchdowns good for a first-team All-ACC selection. Woods will take time. but should help improve a passing game for Indianapolis that disappointed many times in 2021.
Woods is likely a depth option early on in his Colts’ career as he continues to polish his game, and grow as a catcher and blocker, but with the coaching staff in place the sky is the limit for how much this huge match-up nightmare can grow in the NFL.
Grade: B+