Jelani Woods | Virginia 6’7” 259 lbs. | 11/09/1998 (Age 23)
Jelani Woods was drafted 73rd overall by the Indianapolis Colts, becoming the second tight end and 73rd overall player in the 2022 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Year | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Yards/Catch | TDs |
| 2018 (FR) | 6 | 7 | 120 | 17.1 | 2 |
| 2019 (SO) | 9 | 16 | 112 | 7.0 | 1 |
| 2020 (JR) | 7 | 8 | 129 | 16.1 | 1 |
| 2021 (SR) | 11 | 44 | 598 | 13.6 | 8 |
Woods came into college as a quarterback but quickly shifted to tight end early on at Oklahoma State. Although his production wasn’t anything to be amazed by, Woods was voted honorable mention all-conference, as he hauled in seven receptions for 120 yards and two touchdowns in six games played. He earned the same accolades in 2019 and 2020 as a tight end with little productions. After his Junior season, the big-bodied tight end transferred to Virginia for his senior season. That turned into a wise move, as he set career highs with 44 receptions for 598 yards in 11 games played. He earned first-team All-ACC honors and finished tied for ninth in the school’s history with eight touchdown receptions in a single season.
STRENGTHS
Has the measurables and speed desired for today’s tight ends. Above-average hands who can go up and high-point the football. Elite catch radius, as he’s able to extend and haul in off-thrown balls. Long strides, which challenge linebackers in the middle of the field. Shows potential as a blocker.
WEAKNESSES
Not a great blocker, and that’s due to his lack of ability to sink his hips. Long, slender legs also limit his ability to run efficient short routes. Doesn’t create a ton of YAC with the ball in his hands. Gets knocked off balance too often. Gives away obvious signals when making cuts and breaks in his routes.
ATHLETIC TESTING
At the NFL combine, Woods measured in at 6’7” and 259 lbs. Which equates to a BMI of 29.2. At the combine, he ran a 4.61 40-yard dash (89th percentile), which at his height and weight equates to a 115.4-speed score (94th percentile). Woods also recorded a 130.1 burst score (95th percentile), an 11.28 agility score (83rd percentile), a 10.42 catch radius (98th percentile), and a college dominator of 34.6 percent (93rd percentile).
Woods possesses elite speed for his position, as he ran the second-fastest 40-yard dash out of any tight end at the combine. Chigoziem Okonkwo ran the fastest out of the group (4.52), but he weighs 21 lbs. lighter than Woods does. Woods also has elite length, as his 34⅛” wingspan lands him tied for third amongst the 21 tight ends who attended the combine. His biggest red flag is his leg strength, as he displays awkward slenderness on his lower half for such a big player.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Fair
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Fair
Woods was selected with the 73rd-overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts.
Matt Ryan gets yet another weapon, as Woods joins Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson in a very talented tight end room for Indianapolis.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Woods will get a chance to compete for the TE2 spot for his new team. Alie-Cox looks like the obvious starter, and Woods will likely serve as his backup during his Indianapolis tenure. He’s built similarly to Alie-Cox, who’s fresh off signing a three-year contract extension back in March. He’s a top-5 tight end in this draft, and he’s worth a look at the end of your rookie drafts/dynasty start-ups. But don’t expect much fantasy impact early on.
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