2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Isaiah Wooden, WR, Southern Utah
Player Data
Name, Jersey # | Isaiah Wooden, #8 |
School (Code) | UTSO |
DOB, Class Yr | 2/3/2000 |
Height, Weight | 5090, 175 |
40 Yd Dash | 4.36 |
Position/Depth | WR, #1 |
Honors/Captainship | 2023 All-UAC First Team |
Season Viewed (yr) | 2023 |
Games Watched | @AZST, @TXSF, ILWE, @CADA, @UTDX |
Scout Name / Date | Ryan Vidales 1/30/24 |
Per Year Stats
2023 | (Southern Utah) 11 GP, 61 Rec, 904 Rec Yds, 14 Rec TD, 9 Car, 34 Rush Yds, 9 KR, 178 KR Yds, 7 PR, 60 PR Yds |
2022 | (Southern Utah) 11 GP, 40 Rec, 832 Rec Yds, 6 Rec TD, 21 Car, 253 Rush Yds, 2 Rush TD, 11 KR, 314 KR Yds, |
2021 | (Kent State) 1 GP, 1 KR, 25 KR Yds |
2020 | (Kent State) 3 GP, 3 Rec, 83 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TD, 1 Car, 6 Rush Yds |
2019 | (Kent State) DNP |
2018 | (Utah Tech) 9 GP, 7 Rec, 177 Rec Yds, 2 Rec TD, 7 Car, 61 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TD, 8 KR, 288 Rec Yds, 1 KR TD |
Player Summary:
Wooden is a sixth-year receiver with undersized height/weight measurements, an athletic, compact frame, and a well-developed build. Started his true freshman season at Utah Tech at 156 pounds before adding nearly 20 pounds of mass by his final season at Southern Utah. His frame does not appear maxed out, so he could add 5-10 more pounds if necessary. Operates from both perimeter & slot alignments and can beat defenses at all three levels. He possesses high-end play/long speed to create explosive plays downfield and an aggressive temperament at the catch point despite his size deficiencies. Produced quality ball production despite being bracketed for most of the 2023 season. Uses sharp instincts, ball awareness, and hand-eye coordination when tracking the ball to the deep ranges of the field. Snatches the ball out of the air with strong ball skills and hands-catching ability. Cuts off the ball and flashes late hands to secure contested catches. Not the most technically sound route runner, but he has a natural feel for locating open spots against zone coverage across the MOF. Difficult to cover one-on-one when given a free release against man coverage. Nearly impossible to recover against when he wins his route within the first five yards. Displays potent twitch & elusiveness to evade defenders in open space and rack up yards after the catch. Runs tough behind his pads, absorbs hits with solid contact balance, and initiates contact to fight for extra yardage. Much more physical with the ball in his hands than he presents. He is a willing blocker but does not hold & sustain blocks for extended periods of time at the POA. Also offers noteworthy special teams value as a kick & punt return specialist at the next level.
Scheme Fit:
Slot receiver in a spread-centric offense that pushes the ball downfield and utilizes pre-snap motion to establish a leverage advantage for its receivers at the LOS.
Power Statement:
Wooden is an explosive playmaker whose play speed – along with his ball skills, competitiveness, physicality make-you-miss ability, and special teams versatility – should help him covet interest from teams looking for a dependable field-stretcher in the late rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.