The Indianapolis Colts tight end position has become a topic of conversation ahead of the 2024 regular season. While talents like Kylen Granson, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree and Will Mallory are attracting a lot of attention, no one is drawing it quite like third-year pro Jelani Woods. However, that’s not because of any off-field issues or locker room drama, but rather his inability to step up and break through as a dominant tight end.
Woods started his career as a third-round pick in 2022 and finished his rookie season with 25 catches for 312 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Woods was poised for a great 2023 with Shane Steichen and Anthony Richardson as play-caller and QB, but never played due to hamstring issues.
Fast forward to 2024, and again, there was a lot of hype around Woods and the other tight ends behind him. However, after training camp and one preseason game, Woods is still underwhelming and is arguably the fifth of five tight ends Indy is likely to hold onto. If the Colts decide to cut to four, Woods is the candidate they will have to cut. It’s worth noting that Woods showed some good blocks and hands against the Denver Broncos, but he will need to continue to play consistently or even better to push the next tight end ahead of him.
This is the back C-block that gives Jelani Woods the playing time he wants.
I think he put in a really solid performance that he can build on when we train together. pic.twitter.com/76NWGsbqnJ
— Colts Film Room (@ColtsFilmRoom) 12 August 2024
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While Granson isn’t the best option, he’s been reliable, leading Indy’s tight ends in targets (50), catches (30), and receiving yards (368) last year. Alie-Cox won’t overwhelm anyone with his large number of catches, but Indy trusts the veteran, and he still has three touchdowns on just 13 catches in 2023.
Ogletree is similar to Alie-Cox in that while he doesn’t have a record-breaking pass receiver, he is impressive in the red zone. He might also be the best blocking tight end for Indy. And finally, Mallory has improved in run blocking since last year and is the most explosive tight end the Colts own. These four of Woods’ teammates outperformed him last season and beyond.
Ultimately, a roster needs to be fit and trimmed down to 53 players. Since there is no clear TE1 on the Colts’ roster, there’s a chance Woods could be an automatic addition despite a disappointing offseason performance. He’s also incredibly athletic, big, and fast, so Steichen can likely figure out how to best utilize him. However, if Indianapolis only wants four tight ends, Woods will likely be the one released. Woods still has time to improve his game and climb the rankings during the preseason, but the clock is ticking and roster cuts are looming. We’ll see how Woods performs in Saturday’s preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
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