Impressive rookie tight end, Jelani Woods, knows what he needs to improve in order to get more playing time for the Indianapolis Colts.
When the Indianapolis Colts drafted Jelani Woods in the third round, there was a ton of excitement about the addition of a 6-foot-7, 256-pound tight end that can run well and make big plays. However, Woods got off to a slow start during training camp and fans figured it would take some time before he made a real impact. That time came in Week 3 when Woods caught Indy’s only two touchdowns against the Kansas City Chiefs, including the game-winning one.
It seemed like that moment would be the turning point for Jelani Woods in his rookie season. It was obvious that he was a receiving threat so, of course, the Colts would use him more. However, since the Week 2 performance, Woods has only caught one pass for 33 yards and has been struggling to get consistent snaps for Indianapolis.
Woods played eight snaps in each of the first two games and 16 in Week 3. Following his two-touchdown performance, he only played 15 snaps in Week 4 and then a career-high of just 23 on Thursday night against the Broncos. So how can the talented rookie get on the field more to help a struggling offense?
Jelani explained the answer in a recent conversation with Shaad McGinnis. Woods expressed that it’s just about being more consistent in every aspect of the game but especially being a better blocker. The blocking part is huge since he’s a tight end in an offense that wants to run the ball.
#Colts Had the pleasure of asking Jelani Woods, what do he think he needs to do to increase his snap count? He said “Being more consistent in everything that I do” also mentioned being a better blocker will get him on the field more as well…
— The King Of Colts👑 (@ShaadMcGinnis) October 10, 2022
Colts want Jelani Woods to be more consistent and a better blocker
This seems like the typical challenge that rookies face. Consistency is always a struggle for young players adjusting to the NFL. Surely blocking is important for Indianapolis and it has been a struggle for Woods and the offense as a whole. Losing quality run blockers like Jack Doyle and Zach Pascal has really hurt the Colts through the first five games this season.
Woods has a long way to go before he can be Doyle but he must continue working at improving as a blocker. His ability as a receiving threat in this offense is evident and that’s something the Colts need on the field. The things Indy can do with both Woods and Mo Alie-Cox on the field are exciting. The threat those two poses, with Indy’s run game that will surely find its rhythm soon, can stress defenses.
Of course, that possibility all starts with Jelani Woods growing as a player and quickly developing during his rookie season. Once he figures it out, he’ll likely be playing a lot of snaps and it will be special.
3 reasons why Colts fans should still be hopeful despite Indy’s ugly play
Although the Indianapolis Colts had a slow start to the season, there are still things that have to make fans hopeful for the coming weeks.