2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: A.J. Woods, CB, Pittsburgh
Player Data
| Name, Jersey # | A.J. Woods, #9 |
| School (Code) | University of Pittsburgh (PAPT) |
| DOB, Class Yr | 3/28/2001, Fifth-year Senior. |
| Height, Weight | 5095e, 195e |
| 40 Yd Dash | 4.28e |
| Position/Depth | CB, #1 |
| Honors/Captainship | 2023 Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List |
| Season Viewed (yr) | 2022, 2023 |
| Games Watched | @VAPI, NCUN, @WVUN, NCDU (2022) |
| Scout Name / Date | Ryan Vidales 10/2/23 |
Per Year Stats
| 2023 | 5 GP (5 GS), 13 Tkls, |
| 2022 | 13 GP (5 GS) 28 Tkls, 2.0 TFL, 1 INT, 14 PBU |
| 2021 | 13 GP (1 GS), 27 Tkls, 0.5 TFL, 1 INT, 1 FF, 8 PBU |
| 2020 | 11 GP, (3 GS) 17 Tkls, 1.0 TFL, 1 INT, 3 PBU |
| 2019 | 10 GP, 3 Tkls |
Player Summary:
Fifth-year Cornerback with adequate height/weight measurements, top-end speed, excellent athleticism, and a well-refined DB skill set. Lines up mostly at the outside corner spot but has some experience playing in the slot. Posted a 4.28 40-yard dash and 36-inch vert during the 2023 offseason. He will likely test well at Pitt’s pro day to bolster his pre-draft resumé. Possesses proficient coverage ability in man and zone coverage. He is most effective in press-man coverage where he can open his hips and play bump-and-run down the sideline. Maintains a tight cushion with notable make-up speed and sufficient physicality to stay in the hip. Exhibits active, controlled use of hands in phase and is not overly grabby. He sinks his hips and changes directions fluidly, which allows him to mirror receiver movements throughout the route. Appears comfortable operating as a cover-two corner due to his swift plant & drive and burst-to-close capabilities. Drops into his zone and covers ground efficiently, but experiences frequent lapses in spatial awareness when threatened by two or more receivers. Will get out-muscled on contested catches against big, physical hands-catchers on the boundary, but will scrap and play through the hands to force incompletions. Flashed great ball production from 2020-2022 (3 INT & 25 PBU in 37 GP) but has yet to replicate similar success in 2023. Not a thumper, but boasts decent tackling ability in the box and open space. Likes to ankle bite but often drops his head near the point of impact. Tends to give up outside contain by pursuing the ball carrier “inside-out”, which vacates outside running lanes to the second level. Tough competitor who is willing to step down into the box and blitz off the edge. His acceleration, scrappiness, and physicality provide an intriguing upside at the Nickel spot. Has displayed valuable position versatility as a gunner on kick/punt coverage and as a kick returner early in his career.
Scheme Fit:
4-2-5 Nickel
Power Statement:
Woods is a gifted athlete with compelling play speed, noteworthy production against the pass, and quality coverage ability, most notably in bump-and-run man coverage. He is barely scratching the surface of his ceiling as a football player and will need time to improve from a technical standpoint before seeing snaps at the next level.
