The Indianapolis Colts have placed an inoridnate amount of draft capital into the tight end position in recent years. This strategy has helped them land a few standout players, including presumptive 2024 starter Kylen Granson and an intriguing athletic marvel in Jelani Woods.
Woods, who had the highest RAS score ever for a tight end when he was picked out of Virginia, was one of four tight ends (Granson, Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory) Indianapolis drafted in a three-year period. Alongside former basketball player Mo Alie-Cox, depth is not an issue at that position for the Colts.
That depth might work against Woods in 2024. After missing the entire 2023 season due to injury, the emergence of Granson and the depth behind him could make it more difficult for the Colts to justify keeping him on the roster. Even some of the beat writers are starting to feel as though Woods could be cut loose.
James Boyd of The Athletic left Woods off his initial 53-man roster projections, noting that he hasn't "done anything to separate himself from the pack." Boyd also claimed that first-team reps have been hard to come by for Woods, placing yet another obstacle in his path.
Colts beat hints Jelani Woods might not make 53-man roster
According to Boyd, Granson and Mallory have arguably shown to be better receivers than Woods, while Alie-Cox and Ogletree look like superior blockers. Drafting Woods was always a gamble on his athletic traits, but it doesn't seem like those workout numbers are helping him much in 2024.
The 6-7, 255-pound Woods only had one amazing college year at Virginia following the Oklahoma State transfer. While his 25 catches for 312 yards and three touchdowns were impressive for a rookie, that production should hardly be used as evidence to prove he is capable of beating out Mallory or Ogletree for a roster spot.
Even if Woods does make the roster, Granson has likely solidified himself as the starting tight end. If Woods is able to convince Shane Steichen to keep him on the 53-man roster, he will likely begin the season as the backup tight end, at the very most.
The Colts have two more preseason games left, a Saturday night duel with the Arizona Cardinals and a Thursday matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Woods is running out of chances to prove he deserves another chance, and he must take full advantage of both these games.