Jelani Woods has the best upside out of the Indianapolis Colts current tight ends. Listed at 6-7 and 252 lbs, and 34-inch arms, the stature to be a force on offense is there. Unfortunately, injuries have plagued his short NFL career. This leaves many wondering if the Colts should move on and invest in someone else.
The issue with this sentiment is that Woods is indeed a natural talent and would be an impact player if he could stay healthy. With his size, he can win the 50-50 balls, overpower more undersized linebackers and defensive backs, and be virtually automatic with fade routes. All his quarterback needs to do is just give him a chance. When healthy, Jelani Woods has been productive for the Colts when called upon. The issue is that he hasn’t been healthy for two years. With so many concerns surrounding the tight-end position, hanging onto this uncertainty might not be worth it.
The Colts Should Be Concerned with Jelani Woods
His Injury History
As mentioned, Jelani Woods‘ short NFL career with the Colts has been riddled with injuries so far. Since coming into the league in 2022, he has only been healthy for one season. That lone season came in his rookie year in which he played in 15 games and had 2 starts. Since then, he has yet to play in a regular season game or preseason game.
In 2023, Woods suffered a hamstring injury in training camp. This would sideline him for the preseason and would ultimately sideline him for the entire regular season after a setback. After the conclusion of the 2023 season, there was not much clarity on what happened to him. Nonetheless, the hope was that he would be back and better than ever in 2024. Alas, 2024 told the same story as 2023. Woods suffered an injury to his toe which required surgery and left him sidelined indefinitely before the season even began. Eventually, this injury would sideline him for the entire year, and hence lies the questions surrounding the Colts decision to keep Jelani Woods.
His Production When Healthy
Despite the last two seasons being complete non-factors, Jelani Woods had a fairly decent rookie season and displayed a lot of promise for his future with the Colts. As mentioned, 2022 (his rookie season) was the only year in which he was able to step onto the field. In that year, he had 25 receptions on 40 targets, 312 yards, and three touchdowns. With a catch percentage of 62.5% and a 7.8 yards per target rate, the upside was clear. Woods was going to be the Colts next top tight end. Unfortunately, that just never came to be due to injuries. 2025 could be the year that Woods finally showcases what the Colts were hoping for when they drafted him in the third round. However, 2025 could also be another year of great disappointment. Regardless, the Colts need to bolster the tight end room as Jelani Woods cannot be relied upon.
The Need for a Tight End
There is no question that the Colts desperately need a tight end. Many expect them to select a tight end in the first round, while also exploring some options in free agency. On Saturday, it was announced that Mo Alie-Cox was extended to a one-year contract. Although not very productive as a pass-catcher, Alie-Cox is a very skilled blocker and a veteran presence. For the last several years, the Colts have stuck with about four tight ends on the roster. If this trend continues, Jelani Woods will most definitely remain on the roster for, at least, 2025. However, if the injury train continues for him, the Colts should part ways with him in 2026.
Main Photo: Michelle Pemberton – Imagn Images
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