The New England Patriots added a versatile and hard-hitting presence to their secondary by selecting California safety Craig Woodson with the 106th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Woodson's physicality, leadership, and special teams experience make him a compelling addition to new head coach Mike Vrabel's defense.
Woodson, a 6'0", 210-pound redshirt senior, was a two-year captain at Cal and a key figure in the Golden Bears' secondary. Over his college career, he amassed 245 tackles, 21 pass deflections, and five interceptions across 46 games. He showcased his athleticism with a 4.45-second 40-yard dash and a 36-inch vertical jump at the Scouting Combine.
Woodson played various roles in Cal's defense, including deep safety, box safety, slot corner, and even outside cornerback. His aggressive downhill play and ability to fill run lanes with authority were standout traits.
The Patriots' safety group is headlined by veterans Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Marcus Epps, and Jaylinn Hawkins. While the team has depth, Woodson's addition brings unique potential to play as a free safety, complementing the other players who might be best suited playing closer to the line of scrimmage.
His experience in multiple defensive roles aligns well with the Patriots' preference for adaptable players who can contribute in various packages. Given his special teams background, Woodson could also make immediate contributions in that phase of the game.
While he may not be an immediate starter, Woodson's skill set positions him well to contribute on special teams and in specific defensive packages. With development and coaching, he has the potential to evolve into a reliable rotational player and spot starter in the Patriots' secondary.
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