The wide receiver room got a little more crowded two weekends ago.
Not only did the Cleveland Browns select Purdue wideout David Bell in the third round, but they took a chance on Oklahoma catcher Mike Woods.
Don’t expect to hear his name called in the broadcast booth by Troy Aikman or Tony Romo anytime soon, though.
He’s projected as a practice squad/rotation player.
Nonetheless, Browns faithful will want to know who they got.
Here are three things about Browns draft pick Mike Woods:
1. College Journeyman
Woods was drafted out of Oklahoma, but he didn’t get his start there.
He began his career in Fayetteville, Arkansas, suiting up for the Razorbacks.
And before that, he committed to play for SMU out of high school.
But after three seasons with Arkansas, he made the move to Lincoln Riley’s explosive Oklahoma offense.
Through 43 college games, Woods finished with 118 receptions, which was good for 1,650 yards and a dozen touchdowns.
In both Arkansas and Oklahoma, Woods was backup to a top receiving threat.
In Fayetteville, he backed up Treylon Burks, who was taken 18th by the Tennessee Titans in the most recent draft.
At Oklahoma, he backed up Marvin Mims, an excellent receiver already projected to go in the late-first round of next year’s draft.
Woods can expect much of the same in Cleveland.
There’s little chance he’ll crack the Week One rotation, instead backing up the established pros in Donovan Peoples-Jones and Amari Cooper.
2. Practice Squad Staple?
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com did not have the most exciting write-up for Woods:
“Arkansas transfer with just a single season in Lincoln Riley’s passing game. Woods is a tight-hipped receiver with below-average bend that affects his route running and keeps his work on a vertical plane. He has decent build-up speed and showed improved hands in 2021, but is unlikely to ever be considered a catch winner. Woods has a shot to compete for a practice squad spot but lacks play traits that stand out for the position.’’
It’s not surprising.
Woods was taken at the end of the draft, where teams are trying to fill out their rosters and stumble into a quality back up or practice squad member.
I kinda thought Mike Woods would go undrafted. He has some instincts but is not very polished and isn't a freak athlete.
— Tim A. Miller (@Bumblyjack) April 30, 2022
Nonetheless, there were some surprises that the Browns actually drafted Woods.
The Athletic projected Woods as the 44th ranked receiver and to go undrafted.
More from the Athletic’s draft analysis:
“Overall, Woods displays a rangy catch radius and long-striding athleticism, but doesn’t have any special qualities to distinguish him on an NFL depth chart.”
3. Sooner Stars
Woods wasn’t the only Oklahoma product that the Browns took a chance on in the 2022 draft.
The team also selected Oklahoma D-lineman Perrion Winfrey in the fourth round, a few hours before taking his teammate in Woods.
And by all accounts, Winfrey was stoked.
@TheMikeWoods WELCOME TO THE DOG POUND BABY THEY CANT HANG WIT US …….
— 🅿️errion Winfrey (@pdontplay) April 30, 2022
But wait for it…the Browns weren’t done.
After taking Woods at no. 202, they selected Sooners defensive end Isaiah Thomas in the seventh round.
Maybe it was in an effort to get back into Baker Mayfield’s good graces…?
Probably not.
Either way, it can’t hurt to put a few teammates together, especially ones that like playing together.
Leave a Reply