Jelani Woods TE Virginia: Scouting Report

Height: 6’7’’

Weight: 252

Overall

Jelani Woods is a massive, athletic tight end in Virginia’s hybrid offense. He is transfer from Oklahoma State where he played in 34 games, starting 28 of them. This past season at Virginia, he played in 11 games, starting 10 of them. He lined up primarily on the line of scrimmage and he made a big impact in both the pass and run game on film.

Pass Game

In the pass game, Woods has a very slow release off the line but the long speed to run past defenders and create big plays. He has poor change of direction skills which make it difficult for him to create separation. At the catch point he has very strong hands and can make tough contested catches in tight coverage. He has good hands but uses his body too often when receiving the football. After the catch, Woods has the speed to quickly get up field and he has the size and strength to break tackles. He was also used as a blocker in the pass game and was very successful.

Run Game

Woods is a very good run blocker. He has the size and strength to block defensive linemen and he has the athleticism to get to the 2nd level and block linebackers. He consistently made holes in the run game and with his massive size and strength, he can be a dominant run blocker at the next level.

Last Word

Although Woods was very productive as a receiver in college, he projects best as a Y tight end in the NFL where he can be used primarily as a blocker. He has the receiving talent to occasionally be used down the field, but he is best suited to block. He will likely need to be subbed out on 3rd downs and he will be a number 2 tight end in the pros. His physical tools will allow him to dominate on special teams.

One-Liner: Jelani Woods has elite size and strength to be a very good blocker but his struggles in creating separation and poor change of direction skills will make him a number 2, Y tight end.

Grade: 5.8 (Backup #2, Y Ability)

Games Watched: 2021 – Duke, Illinois

Team Fits: Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers