Colts TE Jelani Woods dealt with recurring injuries to both hamstrings throughout last year. He hurt one last offseason and then the other when attempting to return during the season. He didn't play a single game in 2023. But Woods focused on strengthening his hamstrings, quads, and hips this offseason and believes he's solved the problem.
“Now, I feel like I’m getting out of my breaks way faster,” Woods said. “I feel like I’m looser in certain areas, and I’m able to do more than I did my rookie year.”
“He’s been making a ton of plays,” HC Steichen said of Woods' play in OTAs. “A big-body tight end that can run the vertical routes, run the shallows, run the deep cross. It’s awesome to see. Obviously, he’s a matchup for a defense that they have to be prepared for.”
Woods remains an intriguing fantasy prospect. The monstrous 6'7, 253-pounder clocked a 4.61-second 40 time at the Combine after averaging 13.6 yards per catch in his final college season at Virginia.
Woods was a part-time player as a 2022 rookie but flashed with a two-TD game in Week 3 and an 8-catch, 89-yard outing in Week 12. His 1.51 yards per route run ranked 13th among 43 qualifying TEs -- just behind David Njoku and right ahead of Evan Engram.
Woods finds himself in a crowded TE room now alongside Kylen Granson, Mo Alie-Cox, and Will Mallory. But he clearly possesses the most upside of the group.
We'll see how those hamstring hold up over the summer and whether Woods can climb to the top of the depth chart. For now, consider him only an end-of-draft flier in best ball.
Woods is still only 25 and brings an exciting ceiling at a position where upside is tough to find. That makes him worth stashing in dynasty leagues with 20+ roster spots.
Woods currently checks in 32nd in the dynasty TE rankings -- ahead of guys like Greg Dulcich, Cade Stover, Jonnu Smith, and Mike Gesicki.
Woods has climbed from a Round 22 ADP in mid-April to Round 19 now. At a position with very few exciting late-round options, it wouldn't be surprising to see Woods' price jump up another few rounds if positive buzz continues.
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