Virginia’s Jelani Woods earns invite to NFL Combine

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Virginia tight end Jelani Woods made such an impression on pro scouts during Shrine Bowl week that it earned him an invitation to the NFL Combine, March 1-7 in Indianapolis.

Projected just outside the top 10 tight ends in the draft (11th-ranked), Woods is predicted to go between the fourth and sixth rounds, and with good reason. At 6-foot-7, 260 pounds, he makes a good target for quarterbacks.

“Jelani is always open because he’s 6-foot-7,” former Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall used to laugh.

Woods was first-team All-ACC after hauling in 44 receptions (71 targets) for 598 yards, eight touchdowns and a 13.6 yards-per-catch average. He played 484 snaps for the Cavaliers this past season, which caught the attention of the Shrine Bowl (see attached Shrine Bowl video below).

Not only is Woods tall, perhaps uncommonly tall for a tight end, but also has an 82-inch wingspan and decent speed (last timed at 4.84).

A graduate transfer from Oklahoma State, where he was primarily used as a blocker, Woods’ large frame and that wingspan made him a nightmare matchup.

Jelani Woods is 6’6″ (closer to 6’7″ actually), 259 pounds.

With moves like this, he could be uncoverable in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/PbvMMWdLYp

— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) February 2, 2022

NFL scout Nate Tice reported about Woods:

“He has the upside of being a first- and second-down Y tight end who becomes a safety valve for quarterbacks on underneath and intermediate routes.

“He is a solid overall athlete with enough long speed to be a valid option on intermediate and deep routes. An average route runner at this time but flashes enough body control and athleticism to gain leverage on defenders once he gets his long legs going. He flashes above-average hands and his large frame and catching range make him a friendly option for quarterbacks. Legitimate target in the red zone.”

Woods was the only Cavalier invited to the combine.