The big bodied former 2022 3rd round pick’s recent release wasn’t unexpected, but it’s still notable.
In one of the bigger expected roster cuts ahead of Tuesday’s 4 PM EST deadline, the Indianapolis Colts reportedly have waived former 2022 3rd round pick Jelani Woods, whose early pro career has so far been significantly limited by injuries (per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero):
Originally the 73rd overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Colts, the mammoth sized 6’7,” 253 pound tight end had a fairly promising rookie debut that same year for Indianapolis, catching 25 receptions for 312 total receiving yards and 3 touchdown receptions during 15 games (2 starts).
However, he ultimately missed the entirety of the 2023 campaign with season-ending hamstring injuries.
His 2024 season was derailed after he underwent toe surgery and missed four months in recovery—ultimately failing to appear in an NFL game last year either.
Having been selected by the prior coaching regime, he arguably wasn’t as strong of an offensive fit in 3rd-year head coach Shane Steichen’s offense. In a crowded tight end room and playing ‘catch up’ from the critical early career injuries, Woods saw himself fall behind the likes of rookie first round pick Tyler Warren, veteran Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, and Will Mallory in the Colts’ positional pecking order and was playing late in games during preseason—which didn’t bode well for his future roster chances in Indianapolis.
Once Mallory had arguably outplayed him training camp and preseason, it was fairly clear that the Colts weren’t going to carry five tight ends headed into the 2025 regular season, so something had to give here roster-wise. Warren’s much anticipated arrival, as a top tight end in this year’s class, made moving on from Woods easier too.
It’s disappointing that Woods’ tenure in Indianapolis wasn’t better. He had a very unique size and speed combination (having run a 4.61 forty time at his sheer size at the 2022 NFL Combine) coming out of Virginia. However, he wasn’t as polished as an in-line blocker as initially expected and the injuries clearly set him back.
At the very least, Woods could’ve made for an intriguing red zone target closer to the goal line for the Colts.
It also felt like he may have been a potential trade candidate for a ‘Day 3’ pick, but alas, no suitors arose.
As it stands, Woods’ selection by the Colts scouting and football ops regime will go down as a missed one.
Category: General Sports
