Indianapolis Colts’ third-year tight end Jelani Woods was picked by CBS Sports as one under-the-radar player “who could shine” during the 2024 season.
Woods would not see the field at all during the 2023 season as he dealt with various hamstring injuries. The year before as a rookie, he would catch 25 passes for 312 yards with three touchdowns.
However, now fully healthy, Woods was a full participant in the Colts’ offseason programs and is feeling better than ever.
“Actually, to be honest, I feel better, really,” said Woods during OTAs, “because I’m pretty much starting to know my body well and creating a routine daily to just keep building myself, and I feel like I’m in a good start right now, so I’m just trying to keep it going. Take it a day at a time, really, for the most part.”
At 6-7 – 253 pounds and with elite 4.61 speed, Woods has the potential to be a matchup problem in this Shane Steichen offense.
Woods has the versatility to line up across the formation, helping to create mismatches for himself and others. He can provide a big red zone target for Anthony Richardson and is someone who can stretch the middle of the field in Steichen’s RPO-heavy offense.
The early impressions of Woods during the offseason programs from a few of the media members who have been at the Colts’ practices were positive.
“Obviously coming off the injury, taking care of his body has been awesome,” Shane Steichen said. “But to see him out here going with the guys, he’s been making a ton of plays. A big body tight end that can run the vertical routes, run the shallows, run the deep cross, it’s awesome to see. Obviously he’s a matchup for a defense that they gotta be prepared for, so it’s been good to see.”
After Woods was sidelined for Steichen’s first season in Indianapolis, offseason programs were one of the few extended looks that Steichen has had of Woods.
To an extent, it is like Woods is going through his first season all over again, and while he has a fairly obvious fit in this offense, he will have to earn his playing time back, now nearly two full years removed from what was a productive rookie season.
As of now, the Colts do not have that go-to option at the tight end position–although Woods wants to be that player for them–but what they do have is a tight end room made of diverse skill sets, allowing Steichen to really play matchups depending on the opponent and what the game-plan is.
“I know what I can do,” Woods said. “I know how well I can help the offense. I know I can be a pivotal point in the offense, and I’m just trying to show that and earn the respect back, earn my spot back. And so, pretty much do whatever I can to show them Jelani’s here.”
