The Indianapolis Colts selected Virginia tight end Jelani Woods in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 73 overall.
The Colts lost Jack Doyle to retirement at the beginning of the offseason, leaving them with a hole at tight end after Mo Alie-Cox.
Woods posted 44 receptions for 598 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior at Virginia. He played three seasons at Oklahoma State before transferring to the Cavaliers in 2021.
Scouting profile: Jelani Woods
| School | Height | Weight | 40 time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virigina | 6'7 | 259 | 4.61 |
Woods has come a long way over the last several years, moving from quarterback to tight end at Oklahoma State before transferring to Virginia in search of more opportunities as a pass-catcher. The decision paid off, resulting in his best season with 44 receptions, 598 yards, and eight scores. His 6-foot-7 frame is difficult for any defender to deal with, and there's still room for him to fill out. Though he tested well at the combine, you don't always see that explosiveness and speed on the field. Instead, he wins with size, both before and after the catch. Woods is more of a long-term project, but there are enough positive traits - mostly physical ones - to warrant a longer look.
