Colts Select Virginia TE Jelani Woods with the 73rd Overall Pick in the 2022 NFL Draft

The Indianapolis Colts selected Virginia tight end Jelani Woods with the 73rd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft:

The massive 6’7”, 259 pound tight end caught 44 receptions for 598 receiving yards (13.6 ypr. avg.) and 8 touchdown receptions during 11 starts in 2021—earning First-Team All-ACC honors.

Having transferred from Oklahoma State to be featured more with the Cavaliers offensively as a receiving threat, Woods really blossomed during his senior season.

At his large size, he ran a 4.61 forty time and had 24 bench press reps and has drawn pro comparisons to current Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox (6’5”, 267 pounds)—except he’s even slightly taller and quicker. He had a pristine RAS of 10.0 out of a maximum of 10.0.

Woods should replace longtime veteran tight end Jack Doyle as the Colts ‘Y’ in-line blocker, who the Colts can feature as both a pass catcher and blocker. Doyle was an invaluable cog of the Indy offense given his versatility as a blocker and sure hands as a pass catcher.

Woods isn’t quite as athletic as he tests and can be a little stiff in his route running, but he moves well for his size, has fairly soft hands, and has the speed to separate down the seam—and he’s a load to bring down in the open field for opposing secondaries.