Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Xavier Woods (Louisiana Tech) - 2017 NFL Draft Pick #191 by DAL

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Xavier Woods - Pre-Draft Analysis (2017 NFL Draft)

College: Louisiana Tech
Position: Safety
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 203 lbs

Overview:

Xavier Woods was regarded as one of the more talented safety prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft. He played a pivotal role in Louisiana Tech’s defense, showcasing his ability to impact the game both in coverage and against the run.

Strengths:

• Ball Skills: Woods demonstrated excellent ball-hawking abilities, as evidenced by his high number of interceptions during his college career.
• Instincts: He exhibited great instincts and awareness, allowing him to read plays effectively and react quickly.
• Versatility: Woods had experience playing both strong and free safety, giving him the flexibility to fit into different defensive schemes.
• Tackling: His tackling technique was solid, often wrapping up opponents and showing physicality when needed.

Weaknesses:

• Size: At 5'11", Woods was considered undersized for a safety, which raised concerns about his ability to match up against larger receivers and tight ends.
• Speed: While he had decent speed, there were questions about his top-end speed in comparison to elite receivers in the NFL.
• Consistency: Some scouts noted that there were instances of inconsistency in his play, particularly in coverage against quicker route runners.

Overall Assessment:

Xavier Woods was viewed as a capable safety prospect with the potential to contribute at the next level. His ball skills and instincts made him an appealing option for teams looking to bolster their secondary. While there were concerns about his size and speed, his versatility and experience were seen as assets that could help him find a role in the NFL.

Projected Draft Round:

Woods was projected to be selected in the 3rd to 5th round of the 2017 NFL Draft, with the possibility of going earlier depending on team needs and the flow of the draft.