Cowboys could snag sleeper TE in middle rounds of the draft
The Cowboys had a decision to make with tight end Dalton Schultz after the 2021 season. After back-to-back productive campaigns, Dallas decided to place the franchise tag on him for $10.9 million, giving them until July 15 to sign him to a long-term deal before he has to play at that number for the 2022 […]
The Cowboys had a decision to make with tight end Dalton Schultz after the 2021 season. After back-to-back productive campaigns, Dallas decided to place the franchise tag on him for $10.9 million, giving them until July 15 to sign him to a long-term deal before he has to play at that number for the 2022 season.
There isn't much to swoon over behind Schultz on the depth chart. Blake Jarwin was released after having surgery that will likely have him sidelined for the start of the upcoming season. Sean McKeon had last summer's promising momentum derailed by injury, and Jeremy Sprinkle, who was re-signed to a one-year deal, is used mainly as a blocker.
Dallas needs more depth at tight end, and All-ACC performer Jelani Woods and his versatile skill set could make him a steal on Day 2 or Day 3 of the NFL Draft.
Woods scouting report via Oliver Hodgkinson of Pro Football Network:
"There’s a natural and logical place to begin Woods’ NFL Draft scouting report. Size may not be everything, but the Virginia TE is an incredible specimen in this regard. Standing at over 6’7″, he’s distinctive when you turn on the tape. Furthermore, it doesn’t take long for his 34 1/8″ arms — and their legitimate weaponization — to become apparent.
"Naturally, Woods’ size and length make him an obvious red-zone target. The Virginia TE plays exceptionally well above the rim. With a strong, physical upper body, he’s able to box out even the most combative defensive backs. In addition to his natural height advantage in these situations, Woods’ length makes him an almost unfair pass catcher to guard. He has an excellent catch radius that he routinely puts to good use."
Woods started his collegiate career at Oklahoma State as a quarterback before switching to the tight-end position. As a redshirt freshman (2018), Woods caught seven passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns for the Cowboys. A year later, he received honorable mention All-Big 12 honors after hauling in 16 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown. 2020 was his second consecutive honorable mention All-Big 12 campaign where he registered eight receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown.
During his time at Oklahoma State, Woods was used mainly as a blocker which is why he only caught 31 passes in three seasons. However, Woods would transfer to Virginia in 2021 as a graduate student which allowed him to show that he wasn't just a one-trick pony.
Woods was used not only on the line of scrimmage but in the slot, and he garnered First-Team All-ACC honors last season after snagging 44 passes for 598 yards and eight scores. Safe to say, once the shackles were taken off of his talent, the real Jelani Woods stood up.
How does Woods fit with the Cowboys?
With his 6-foot-7 frame and 4.61 speed in the 40-yard dash, Woods is a matchup nightmare. Also, he showed with the Cavaliers that he can line in the slot and terrorize smaller cornerbacks. Woods can stretch the field vertically just like the aforementioned Jarwin did during his days with the Cowboys which compliments Schultz as a possession tight end and chain mover, meaning they could be an effective duo in 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends).
Woods was worked out by the Cowboys at his Pro Day. Also, the Cowboys host 30 players before every draft, and Woods took his visit on Thursday. Dallas values these visits when it comes to who they select so Woods is certainly on their radar as a possible selection later this month.
Feature image via Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
