Brock Bowers never made his way to the Indianapolis Colts. However, fellow tight end Jelani Woods, who missed all of last season due to injury, could turn out to be a star in Indy. And if that’s the case, he’d help fans forget about not landing Bowers.
Indianapolis owned the 15th overall pick in this year’s NFL draft. Many fans were hoping Bowers, the top tight end prospect in the draft, would still be available. Yet, he was selected 13th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. Meanwhile, the Colts used the 15th pick on UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu.
Leading up to the draft, the Colts certainly needed to add a talented pass-catcher. The team found one in the second round, taking Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. Mitchell could team with Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and a healthy Woods to give quarterback Anthony Richardson a slew of offensive weapons.
Jelani Woods Could Make Indianapolis Colts Fans Forget About Brock Bowers
Woods’ Career Thus Far
Jelani Woods began his collegiate career with the Oklahoma State Cowboys. He played three years at the school, producing 31 receptions, 361 receiving yards, and four touchdowns.
The Georgia native then transferred to Virginia for his senior year. He would have a stellar season, catching 44 passes for 598 yards and eight touchdowns. As a result, he was named first-team All-ACC.
The Colts later selected Woods in the third round (73rd overall pick) of the 2022 draft. During Week 3 of his rookie year, Indianapolis upset the eventual champion Kansas City Chiefs 20-17. Woods was a big factor in the game as he scored the first two touchdowns of his career.
Woods also showed potential against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12. He caught eight passes for 98 yards during the Monday Night loss. He eventually finished the season with 25 receptions, 312 yards, and three TDs in 15 games (two starts).
The Colts expected Woods to have a breakout 2023 campaign. But unfortunately, lingering hamstring injuries forced him to miss the entire season.
Could Woods Be the Real Deal?
It seems like the Colts have a million tight ends on their roster. The TE room currently consists of Woods, Kylen Granson, Will Mallory, Mo Alie-Cox, and Andrew Ogletree. Yes, that’s quite a bit.
The group has diverse skill sets. Woods can stretch the field while Granson and Mallory serve as the move tight ends. Allie-Cox and Ogletree are more known as blockers.
Woods may be the best of the crew. At 6-7 and 253 pounds, he’s blessed with a combination of size and speed. He ran a 4.61-second 40 during the 2022 Scouting Combine. Without a doubt, he can be a huge matchup problem for opposing defenses on any given Sunday. Woods has the potential to be an impact player, but he must stay healthy.
Colts fans were disappointed to lose the Brock Bowers sweepstakes. He surely would’ve been a great addition to the team’s offense. But if Jelani Woods can somehow avoid the dreaded injury bug and emerge as a go-to pass-catcher, those same fans will say “Brock who?”
Main Photo: [John Jones] – USA Today Sports
