STRENGTHS - Wood has ideal height, weight and speed measureables for the RB position, and possesses a solid, compact frame with good upper and lower body thickness. When moving north and south, he flashes a good burst off his initial cut and solid straight line speed.
WEAKNESSES - Wood doesn't play up to his measureables, as he struggles to change directions efficiently and does not display the top end speed and agility needed to take the edge. He tends to run upright through the LOS which leaves him susceptible to big hits, and prevents him from breaking tackles. On stretch plays he struggles to locate cutback lanes and is too hesitant to attack the LOS. Despite his frame he lacks the power to be an effective inside runner, and he has limited blocking experience.
SUMMARY - Cierre Wood was a disappointing player to evaluate because he certainly looks the part "on the hoof" and tested well in Indianapolis, but on film he rarely displayed this level of ability. While he has decent top end speed he is not innately explosive and struggles to change directions fluidly. Because of his upright running style and hesitance to attack the LOS he rarely breaks tackles and is too easily brought down on first contact. In order to make a mark at the next level he will need to prove his abilities as a receiver out of the backfield and a pass blocker, but his experience in both these categories was limited because of Notre Dame's fluid rotation at the position. Wood may be drafted based purely on his numbers, but his on the field play suggests he will struggle to find a stable home in the NFL.