Xavier Woods

Xavier Woods Player Profile

Summary

Xavier Woods was selected in the 6th Round (#191 Overall) in the 2017 Draft out of Louisiana Tech University. Woods is a veteran free/strong safety known for his instincts, play‑making ability, and consistent tackling production. He has logged over 100 starts in his NFL career and brings leadership and experience to the back end of a defense. While he may not possess elite size or top‑tier athleticism for every role in coverage today’s NFL demands, his strengths make him a very solid starter in a safety duo, particularly in a scheme that values intelligence, positioning, and versatility.

Strengths

  • Instincts & ball skills: Woods has shown a keen ability to read plays, anticipate routes, and make plays on the ball. Inside The Star Archives

  • Production & tackling volume: In 2024, Woods logged a career‑high 119 total tackles (72 solo) and three interceptions while starting all 17 games. RotoWire

  • Durability and availability: Over recent seasons he’s seen heavy snap counts and been a consistent starter when healthy. CBS Sports

  • Versatility: He’s capable of playing in different safety alignments, coming down in run support, and contributing in coverage. Scouts noted he lined up from the slot to single‑high during college. Inside The Star Archives

  • Tackling & downhill play: While not a big‑frame hitter, Woods shows willingness to come up, play aggressive, and make impact tackles. Sports Forecaster

Weaknesses

  • Athletic profile / range: At 5′11″ and roughly 200 lbs, Woods lacks the size and perhaps the elite recovery speed of some modern safeties. Scouting notes from his college era mention “average range as a single high safety” and recovery issues when he loses a step. Inside The Star Archives

  • Finishing and tackling technique at times: He has had instances where his pursuit or tackling technique is flagged — e.g., stiff hips, high pad level, or being slow to wrap up. Dallas News

  • Coverage‑versatility against elite WRs/deep threats: While capable, his athletic limitations can be exposed against faster or more physical receivers in deep or vertical roles. Inside The Star Archives

  • Inconsistency in metrics/grades: While 2023 saw strong performance, 2024 his overall grade from Pro Football Focus dropped (57.0 in 2024) despite high tackle numbers, indicating some discord between volume and efficiency. RotoWire

  • Age & role evolution: Approaching age 30 in 2025, Woods may face natural declines; teams may shift him into more limited roles or nickel/dime packages rather than full‑range single‑high starters.

Fit & Outlook

Woods is best utilized in a system that allows him to leverage his instincts, tackling ability, and experience—especially in a defense that doesn’t place undue burden on him to cover sideline‑to‑sideline for extended time, but rather uses him in roles where reading and reacting are key. Woods projects as a reliable starter safety (or safety‑threatening veteran presence) with high floor rather than a high‑ceiling elite difference‑maker. He can stabilize a back‑end of a defense and mentor younger players.