Charles Woods 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Transferred to West Virginia after several seasons at Illinois State (FCS)

• Was honorable mention FCS All-American during his final season at Illinois State (2019)
• Three-way athlete in high school as a returner, receiver, and defender

System: 

• 2022 projected role: Starting CB

Pros: The energy here is hard to miss. Charles Woods is a scrappy player who plays hard and had to scratch and claw for a role with West Virginia last season. He played often on special teams and eventually found a starting role and seems poised to never look back. He’s received rave reviews from coaches for his growth as a player since arriving in Morgantown as well, suggesting his bright flashes of play in zone coverage last season were just the tip of the iceberg and that he’s primed for an explosive season this upcoming year. He’s at his best currently with his eyes in the backfield; he showcases good instincts and feel for attacking routes by seeing through them to the quarterback and triggering to squeeze throwing windows. He has developed the reputation from his time at Illinois State as a ballhawk but has offered special teams roles (including as a punt returner) to complement his role in the secondary. He has good habits as a tackler and plays eager to embrace contact. 

Cons: Charles Woods is a sixth-year senior who is looking to finalize his footing as an NFL draft prospect after an impressive career at Illinois State led to a new opportunity with the Mountaineers in 2021. He struggled to find the same level of ball production in the Big 12 as what he had produced at the FCS level last season—although he did finish on a high note with a big performance against Minnesota in the bowl game. His ball production came in bunches—he logged an interception and a fumble recovery in two separate games last season and did not log any other turnovers in the remaining 11 games played. Slow to claim a starting role with WVU, Woods is looking to find the same spark he had with the Redbirds. I am hoping to find some clarity on how dynamic he is as an athlete, too. I’m not sure he’s quicker than a low-4.5 athlete, which is plenty for the NFL level but could cut into the enthusiasm of his projection as an outside cornerback.

Charles Woods NFL Draft Scouting Report by Kyle Crabbs