In so many ways, the coaches and the players in camp have come to love Woods. The Jets claimed him off waivers late in training camp last year and he re-signed with the team this past March. After a strong rookie season with the Colts in 2022 (15 games, 25 catches for 312 yards and 3 TDs), Woods missed the entire 2023 and ’24 seasons with hamstring and toe injuries.
“There’s a number of things that you can envision him doing for us,” HC Aaron Glenn said. “You can split him out and let him go one-on-one with a safety, a linebacker, and I’m expecting him to win that matchup.”
In camp, with Sadiq and Taylor each dealing with short-term injuries, Woods has gotten a chance to display his talents and work with QB Geno Smith. Woods loves the TE group and the different skills they possess.
“I’d say we’re very dynamic,” Woods said. “Everybody can do everything, so it gives us the opportunity to put ourselves in a position to be successful. Whatever coach wants us to do, we all can do it at a high level. So it just makes it, I guess, kind of easier. You don’t have to just limit guys or anything. You can just put whoever out there, and they’re gonna be able to get the job done.”
And Smith, who is enjoying his varied options on offense — on the O-line, at tight end, wide receiver and running back — has taken notice.
“I like the way Jelani has been out there making plays,” Smith said recently. “He’s making plays.”
In that crowded tight ends room, there is certainly nothing guaranteed to any player. That, however, has only served to motivate Woods, whose 4 games last year for the Green & White were his first since 2022.
“Oh, it’s exciting,” he said. “I still take it a day at a time, moment by moment, play by play. Classroom by classroom. Like I don’t really look too far ahead. Monday practice is Monday practice, Tuesday practice is Tuesday practice, and I just keep it at that.”