Storm Woods, RB, Oregon State: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Nov 29, 2014; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers running back Storm Woods (24) runs the ball against the Oregon Ducks at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2014; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers running back Storm Woods (24) runs the ball against the Oregon Ducks at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /
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Player Summary

Storm Woods, a 2011 three-star recruit, started 39 of 45 career games for Oregon State. He saw playing time decline as offense switched from a pro-style, power scheme to a spread in 2015 under new coaching staff.

Lingering knee injury limited him to just eight starts as a senior. He possesses solid height/weight with an athletic frame and adequate athletic ability.

Measureables

Height: 5’11” 1/8

Weight: 211 lbs.

Arm Length: 31.5 inches

Hand Size: 9.25 inches

Pro Day Results

40-Yard Dash: 4.65 seconds

Bench Press: 17 reps

Vertical Jump: 37″

Broad Jump: 10’2″

Three Cone: 7.10 seconds

Short Shuttle: 4.37 seconds

Games Watched

2015: Arizona, California, Shrine Game

2014: Oregon, USC

Strengths

Solid mental processing skills, understands blocking schemes and has the patience to wait for play to develop.

Very good vision to read blocks and find the running lane. In the play below, Woods uses his vision to get the most out of the blocks in front of him before making quick cuts to the next hole.

Once he sees open space, Woods darts outside to maximize yardage.

Solid burst as he accelerates to top speed through the hole. Once contacted, he displays a solid ability to finish runs by keeping his legs churning and falling forward to maximize yards after contact.

Very good ball security, fumbling only four times on 662 career touches. Despite injuries and decline in production, Woods rises to the occasion in big games as a result of good competitive toughness.

Not known as a power back, but was very reliable in short-yardage and goal line situations, scoring 21 touchdowns on just 44 career carries from inside the opponent’s 10-yard line.

Displays good hands as a receiver, with a solid ability to adjust to poorly thrown balls. Gathers himself and turns up field quickly after making the catch.

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Weaknesses

Adequate athletic ability as he lacks the explosiveness to run through holes before they close.  This lack of explosiveness and top-end speed is evident in the open field as he fails to create separation from defenders.

Does not win one-on-one battles in the hole as a result of marginal play strength. Lack of play strength also shows up after contact is made as he struggles to break tackles.

Poor effort as a blocker as he does not hold his ground and give the quarterback time to throw the ball. On other occasions, such as the play below, he’s simply unwilling to throw a block.

In the play, Woods starts in motion and is responsible for blocking the boundary cornerback. Instead, he runs right by the defender without even attempting to slow him down.

The biggest concern with Woods is his injury history. He missed time every year as a result of injury, including two games in 2013 for a concussion. Lingering knee injuries during his senior season will also throw up a red flag as NFL teams must be certain it’s not a chronic condition that will affect him in the future.

Overall

Overall, Storm Woods is a developmental back at the next level who wins with vision. He lacks the size and power to be a workhorse back and his struggles in pass protection hinder his third-down value. Injuries are a big concern, as is the fact that his touches declined every year at Oregon State.

It is very unlikely that Woods is drafted, but he’ll be given an opportunity to make a roster in training camp. A year or two on a practice squad is likely in his future.