Jets Sign Danny Woodhead
Posted on April 27th, 2008 by R_in_CT
As many of you noted in the comments section, the Jets have signed NCAA career rushing leader Danny Woodhead of Division II Chadron State to a free agent contract.
Woodhead ran for 7,962 yards in four years and was not invited to the scouting combine in Indianapolis this year, mainly due to his size: 5′7 and 198 pounds. According to ESPN, at his pro day in Nebraska, he was timed between 4.33 and 4.38 in the 40, had a vertical jump of 38.5 inches and bench pressed 225 pounds 20 times.
When asked if he thought size matters, Woodhead responded:
“I don’t, but you’re also talking to a 5-7½, 200-pound running back.”
Welcome to the NFL, kid.
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Sounds like a practice squad player at best. Not surprised if he’s cut before preseason is over.
i say chatman gets peaced and this kid makes it.
unless he is a complete chump, how can he not beat out a loser like chatman
not sure where he fits in considering we already have a fast shifty little guy in Leon.
its obviously waaaayyy too early to predict things with this guy, but I mean regardless of where he played he put up some INSANE numbers. Not to mention his stellar workout numbers like a 4.3 40. I mean Brian Westbrook is only 5′8 and went to Villanova and look at what he’s become…I’m not saying Woodhead is the next Westbrook but it will be interesting to see how this move plays out. Honestly I’m all for it. You never know with a guy like this…
Hey take a shot. Nothing to lose
Barry Sanders was 5′8″ – enough said. Vbsienna, you probably said the same thing about Wayne Chrebet. Good things can come in small packages. Danny’s worth a look. Can’t wait to see him in training camp.
I recall a speedy diminutive player named Bruce Harper who ended up contributing…a bit.
I love this signing! Its very little risk, they didn’t even draft the guy, and he has just as much potential as any of our draft picks. More importantly, he keeps the other guys on the roster honest. This kid is going to go all out in training camp and the other players on the roster better match his intensity or they risk getting cut.
not to make the obvious comparison, but… maurice jones drew: 5′7″, 208, 4.38, 18 reps
the guy is the all-time record holder and has crazy combine stats? definitely worth signing UDFA.
agree, great signing, very little downside, if he pans out to be a change of pace back, awesome. If not, then oh well it was worth a shot.
im rooting for the kid – hope he makes it
I don’t think its risky at all . Let’s see what the kid will bring to the table . He’s going to come in and work hard and I also see him as maybe a practice squad participant. Worth taking a look.
If he’s good enough and makes the team, dump chatman.
has ty law signed w/ the pats yet?
Would have liked to get into camp:
Kerry Brown OG
Erin Henderson LB
Jeremy Leman LB
Drew Radovich OG
Wesley Woodyard LB
Albert Young RB
and I like Jesse Chatman alot as a #3 RB
Saw this on ESPN, and it made me laugh. You can see the past years draft grades. This is an excerpt from Mel Kiper’s grade of Jets 05 draft – “but most of the rest of the draft is made up of reaches (Sione Puha and Kery Rhodes) and projects (Harry Williams)”.
Rhodes was such a reach Kiper couldn’t remember how many “r’s were in his first name.
Those are insane numbers for someone that size. 20 reps and he’s 5′7/198? Wacky.
I like it, give him a shot. Could be a feel good story.
woodhead is our version of welker…best decision other than keller who will be a matchup nightmare for folks. gholston is a bumb unfortunately as is ainge…who has a weak arm at best. pasing on woodson from kentucky was a big mistake. good news is kellen clemens will be in all pro by 2010 w an actual o line. tomas jones, leon and my boy danny will avg 160 a game combined. tony richardson, franks, faneca and co will blow open holes to run. marcus henry sucks…bad pick. trsut me keller will be a phenom as a wide receiver not TE…they didnt draft him as a TE…guy has sick speed, hand and routes…impossible cover for a LB.
As a Villanova alum, I have to take issue with any parallel to Chadron State, however indirect.
We’re admittedly a hoops school first, but we do have Howie Long, Brian Westbook, Brian Finneran, and even Ray Ventrone.
Saw this on ESPN, http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3337822
Re. best way to judge a RB (basically take weight *200/40 to the 4th) if I did the calculations correctly: Woodhead comes in at 112 (assuming a 40 of 4.33). That’s average for a first round pick. Woodhead could be a steal, at least till he gets hurt.
Kid has a lot to prove, especially to the new o-line coach who wouldn’t even let him walk on at Nebraska. From what I’ve read, he wasn’t even invited to Neb pro day. Just showed up and talked his way into a tryout. If nothing else, he’ll make the other players around him better. You go kid!
I think Woodhead has a good chance to turn some heads and even work hard to get on the roster. Here’s why:
1.) Rookie Free Agents will fight like hell to take someone’s job, unlike the high round draftees who figure they’re solid.
2.) Although he was a D-2 star, look at his yards per carry and touchdowns, 6.9ypc and an average of 25 TDs per season over his 4 year career. These numbers are consistent with what is necessary of a 3rd and Short / Goal Line running back at the least.
3.) People see his height as a disadvantage, I think a reasonable argument can be made that with his skill, it could be an ADVANTAGE. Think about it, it will be extremely difficult for DBs and LBs to locate this guy when he’s behind the o-line. If he can learn to be elusive of hungry DTs, he’ll have an extra step almost everytime, and that extra step will lead to TDs, because he WILL be a 3rd down / redzone back.
4.) This guy looks like he’s still growing. Look at him, he looks very young for a 23 year old, probably has a growth spurt left.
5.) He will most definitely be a Mangini guy, he knows he’s too tiny and too undeveloped to open his mouth in a bad way.
All in all I can’t wait to see what he’s capable of, and I can’t wait to see defenses get crossed up when they lose sight of him.
I have loved this guy for almost a year now! I’m so glad the Jets signed him. If he is successful, it will be a great story.
are people gonna realize size doesn’t matter…the kid ran for nearly 8,000 yards…i dont care if he played for the worst college divsion…thats alot of yards…
the best backs ever were considered too small…smith and sanders and theyre HOF’s…not to mention they’re top 3 all time…i really like this pickup for us…if TJ ever goes down maybe him and leon will be the perfect 1-2 punch…either 1 can take it to the house…just my thoughts…
As mentioned on SNY by none other than Ray Lucas, “This guy will be our ‘Rudy.’ RUDY! RUDY ! RUDY! RUDY!”
look at the little rb.sproul from the chargers 5.6 170 pds.this get deserves a shot.
anyone know if he can catch the ball? would be hard to match up with someone so little and quick in the slot, like Welker.
Remember Chad Morton? How big was he? I remember him taking two to the house against the Bills a few years back.
Give Woodhead a shot.
To Jets Nation,
This is what you signed.
All-Time Nebraska High School Leading rusher. (This beats Eric Crouch, Amhan Green, Cory Schesger, Gale Sayers, etc) at the top class against the same comp.
He was remarkable in high school. Never got a scholarship to Lincoln-(Solich Fired…maybe in part for not giving the greatest NE high school back a scholarship). Took a scholarship very close to home where his dad played at Chadron State, the first they gave for four years. Don Beebe is a notable alum. Also ran the 100 meters at 10.5 and averaged 25-30 ppg in basketball.
All-Time Leading College Rusher and scorer (I think). FAST!FAST!FAST!
He was remarkable in College.
Hardest working young man in high school, and in College. If he gets a block….. this guy sees the hole. Man, he is quick and shifty.
4.35- 40yard
225lbs – 20 times
I think this beats Darren McFadden.
Overall Jets Fans,
Congratulation on the sign.
He will make the team if he is not injuried. This young man doesn’t know how not to succeed. Absolutely no doubt in my mind.
Read the sports illustrated article on this guy from a year ago if you can get it. He has a good head on his shoulders and will make this roster. I’m certain of it.
FYI: In addition to on the field………..DW was ~3.8 in math education, Academic All-American, Draddy Finalist, natural leader and a great kid. Lots of upside re. character.
WOW! it’s amazing to see all of this response, some hopeful and some spiteful, for one of my childhood friends!
I am from NE and have known Danny since we were little kids playing touch football in the park across the street from his house. Now I say this not for my own personal interest, but to tell you people this: Danny Woodhead is one of the toughest competators and hardest working people I know. The perverbial underdog because of his size, he was passed over by NU and the idiot known as Frank Solich. The great Tom Osborne has been know to comment that if he’d been coach of the Huskers when Danny came out of college, he would have definetly worn the Crimson and Cream.
He was sought by Div I schools like Iowa State, Colorado, Colorado State and Kansas but ultimately he decided to go play football with his brother Ben in Chadron, also the Alma Mater of his Mom and Dad Annette and Mark Woodhead.
It makes me laugh to hear Jimmy Shnoogen say that Danny would “open his mouth in a bad way”! if you knew Danny you would know that he is humble and modest and I’m sure is just happy to be making ANY NFL team.
with that being said, one of the main reasons I’m sure Mangini even bothered to look at Danny is the addition of Bill Callahan (ex-Nebraska Cornhusker coach). Even in Licoln and Omaha, which are 400 miles from Chaderon, the praises of Danny were run in the press.
Now I leave you with this NY Jets fans: Danny Woodhead will give you EVERYTHING he has and will be a success for some NFL team given the chance, whether it be with the Jets or another team in the future. He will be a role model for your children and go out of his way to make the fans happy. After his last playoff game in Chaderon this last year (in which Chaderon State over-came a 36 point lead to win in double OT against North Texas A&M) he stayed on the field for nearly 3 hours signing autographs for fans!
Please take care of my friend, New York!
…and to answer Frank L, yes he can catch the ball. he’s got GREAT hands. had over 1000 yards receiving at Chaderon in his 4 years there.
Woodys#1fan:
I never meant to imply that Danny would open his mouth in a bad way, I was only pointing out the fact that he seems humble and is a hard worker, as you so eloquently stated.
He is a Mangini guy in all aspects. I hope that he has a great mini camp, and a great spring/summer. I’ve said it in other blogs that I was more excited about his signing and his potential, than I was about most of the draftees.
If he can produce the way you and I both think he can, I will buy my first Jets Jersey in 5 years with his name and number on the back!
~Jimmy Shnoogen
(pseudonym)
[...] addition to RB Danny Woodhead, RB Jehuu Caulcrick, and DE Bryan Mattison, here’s a list of another nine players that the [...]
guys listen…this boy is a complete stud……how tall is jones-drew ?…..ray rice? he will cause some big match up problems. well let me say this he didnt just play against a bunch of corn eating hicks alot of those teams are well oiled machines, ( i mean its the only thing some of those towns got ) and this kid powerhoused them…..sometimes in there own house. He will make it, and be used very wisely i bet
At least he is better than Chatman who sux.
He is going to be good. Look at Chargers’s Darren Sproles, 5 foot 6 adn 180 pounds still made it.
Jimmy Shnoogen,
ah, ok. point well taken then!
I agree, I am excited in his potential and the great thing thing he has to offer the Jets!
And I may also be purchasing a Woodhead jersey despite my life-long loyalty to the Denver Broncos!
I’m gonna be torn on who to root for Nov. 30th when the Broncos travel to NY! :)
Maybe this guy can be put as a wideout, think fast & small- Wes Welkers only 5′-9″
REMINDS ME OF BARRY SANDERS WITH A BIT MORE STRENGTH. HE WILL MAKE THE TEAM AND WOW THE FANS.JETS ARE GETTING A VERY SPECIAL RUNNING BACK. IAM A SEAHAWK FAN AND HOLMGRENS AN IDIOT FOR NOT DRAFTING DANNY. HE WOULD HAVE BEEN A STEAL IN THE SECOND ROUND!
Woodys#1fan
-nice posts, just a nit pick correction. the game last year was a TRIPLE overtime victory against ABILENE CHRISTIAN from texas. They then lost the following game to NW Miss St (who also had a former nebraska high schooler in Xavier Omon-drafted by the Bills). Another trivial detail is that beyond his dad, Mark, brother Ben, and mom Annette, his uncle (Mark’s older brother Kent), also played defensive back at Chadron State so the Woodhead lineage was very strong there. You were also very right in that he was Chadron’s first ever full ride athletic scholarship-pretty good call on their part. Looking forward to seein him on the field hopefully.
Gil Brandt made a comment that Woodhead makes defenders look like their feet are stuck in concrete. Brandt had nothing, but praise for Danny’s sick athleticism. And Woodhead ran for 8 YPC in 2006 at Chadron. This guy put up insane numbers in Div. II as a workhorse back that would bring mosts YPC down.
If Ray Rice was at Chadron, IMO he would not have matched Woodhead’s production. McFadden, Adrian Peterson or Reggie Bush would have and that’s it! Woodhead is an elite RB!
The Jets have hit the UDFA lottery with Woodhead. He may be new to the national scene, but those of us that have covered D2 football and have seen this guy in person can vouch for his ability. Jet fans, consider yourself lucky to have this talented RB.
Woodhead,
Is this Annetter or Mark? Or maybe Joel or Ben? hehehe
you’re right! it was the year before they played West Texas A&M with Ryan Leaf as the QB coach saying he’d never seen a back like Danny.
Thanks for correcting me, as it was TRIPLE overtime over Abilene Christian. They were down in by 36 in the 3rd quarter. During overtime I remember it getting late in the day and wondering if they were going to be able to finish the game because it was getting dark and Chaderon doesn’t have lights for the field! haha It was the absolute best comeback I’ve ever seen EVER!
oh, and add to the Woodhead tradition at Chaderon I hear that Joel has signed intent to play there next year, is that right??
I hope that this all works out for Danny, what a great young man, from a great family. The whole family is a class act. This young man is what everyone wants their kids to grow and model. He is the type of young man just like what was said above, he likes to please the fans, I took my son to a lot of Chadron St games and my son had to get his autograph everytime, Danny wouldn’t care how many he would just smile and sign. I would have to say the JETS got thereselves a great athlete, competitor, and a classy young man. We’ll be hopefully watching him on TV someday.
Go Woodhead! I’m from North Platte, his home town, and I’m telling you, the Jets just got a lot more fans! Danny Woodhead is just glad to be playing and I think he’s going to bring some decent numbers back to the Jets.
I played HS football with danny. He is a great kid with a big heart. However, as most of you know, Nebraska football does not even compair to east coast or west coast ball anymore. We cant even hang in the midwest. Our HS team was bad and Chadron State was bad. He just happened to be a mediocre player surrounded by horrible athletes. I hope he does well but not holding my breath.
Your high school team and chadron state may have been bad, but Danny put both programs on his shoulders. He is one of the best athletes to come out of college football this year. Just watch, he will make a name for himself with the Jets. Mediocre player? You obviously didn’t play with the Danny Woodhead we all know. The kid is a great football player and even a better person.
Wow, are you serious Dannyfan. I understand saying that Nebraska high school football doesn’t compare to east and west coast high school ball because I agree, but saying Chadron State was bad is just slapping every DII school in the face, you may as well be saying they should just do away with DII football because I believe they finished in the top 5 the last two years. Now I don’t know if this is your way of making up for your insucurities or your abilitiy/toughness to play College football, but you need to think before you open your mouth and insult a lot of people and players who played their hearts out for DII teams.
Dannyfan-
Were you injured playing football. Chadron State has not been defeated in the last two regular seasons and oh yea, they have the coach of the year.
This is whats going to happen, eventually he will be given a shot and he will not waste it. He will show that the signing was not just for the feel-good factor. The biggest thing that will become clear is that Calahan is great at X’s and O’s, but can’t judge talent. Remember, Sam Keller was the savior of the free world, according to Calahan. But this kid wasn’t even worth a look? The comment is right on that the Jets have picked up some fans in Nebraska, I don’t care if he is from Chadron State or NU, he is a Nebraska boy….. Will his Jersey be available online?………..
where can i get a woodhead jersey?? this kid is bad ass i seen him play in chadron and let me tell you guys wow, if he doesnt play rb let him return the kick offs.
has anyone heard of this big backup named Darren Sproles? 5′ 6″ ran i 4:47 40 before being drafted. Danny ran between a 4:33 and a 4:38 40 and is 5′ 7″. not saying hes better, but i guarantee he’ll compete upon getting healthy again.