The 2013 NFL combine continues on in Indianapolis and another player has been identified as one that the Pittsburgh Steelers will meet with for 15 minutes. Jim Wexell of Steel City Insider reports via Twitter that USC wide receiver Robert Woods has indicated that he has a meeting scheduled with the black and gold. Teams are allowed to meet with 60 players during the week.
Woods measured in on Friday at 6003, 201 and is currently regarded my many as a top ten wide receiver in the draft this year. He figures to be drafted somewhere in the second or third round.
In his three years at USC Woods caught 252 passes for 2930 yards and 32 touchdowns. He caught more balls than any receiver in USC history and more than all but two receivers in Pac-12 history.
Woods is projected to be a possession-type receiver at the next level. He has shown that he understands the position and has a full grasp of the entire route tree. His best asset is his ability to set up his defender on the outside when played off of and he gets off of the ball quickly in those situations. Woods is also not afraid to leave his feet in order to make a tough catch and is equally not afraid to block when it is called for. Despite all of his college catches Woods needs to work on high pointing the ball better. He also shows to have tight hips and he will tip his routes off at times. His get-off against press coverage also needs improvement.
USC head coach, Lane Kiffin once compared Woods\’ style to that of Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice.
“I\’m not saying he is Jerry Rice,” Kiffin said. “But he\’s that style of receiver. Great hands. Lean, strong body type.”
The Rice comparison is a little over-the-top. He reminds you more of a cross between Reggie Wayne of the Indianapolis Colts and Steve Smith of the St. Louis Rams.
In addition to his role as a receiver, Woods also returned punts and kicks in college. During his time at USC he returned 31 punts for 183 yards and 55 kicks for another 1,364 yards and a touchdown.
