The New England Patriots focused on offense for their first four picks of the NFL Draft, but they went defensive in the fourth round, selecting safety Craig Woodson out of California at No. 106 overall.
At six feet, 200 lbs, Woodson is a physical and do-it-all safety who really completes a defense. He is a sixth-year senior at Cal, became the full-time starter in 2022, and was a two-year captain as the leader of the defense.
During his 46 games at Cal, Woodson totaled 245 tackles (10 for a loss), 18 passes defended, and five interceptions. His best seasons came after he was made a starter, totaling 158 tackles and five interceptions since 2022.
At the combine, Woodson’s measurables are right up there as a top safety in his draft class. He ran a 4.45-second 40-Yard Dash (fifth-best), and his 10’7” broad jump was sixth-best. He also did 13 reps on the bench press, good for the fifth-most in his position group.
While at Cal, Woodson played many roles on the defense as a safety, showcasing his versatility over his career. He’s lined up all over the field, including in the box like a linebacker, a deep safety over the top, and even at cornerback covering slots and on the outside.
Although Woodson’s position is a safety, he should really be considered as a defensive back as he can do it all, and I think that’s what intrigues head coach Mike Vrabel the most about him, along with the 70 tackles and nine passes defended he totaled last year.
Furthermore, Woodson’s 70 tackles were more than any of the defensive backs on the Patriots last season. I understand the game is slightly different in college than the pros, but the production speaks for itself, and it’s another way to view the secondary in New England needing an upgrade.
The safety position for the Patriots features starters Kyle Dugger and Jabril Peppers with Marcus Epps and Jaylinn Hawkins as depth. Woodson fits in as both a free and strong safety, depending on how the Patriots use him.
The Patriots have been connected to Woodson since the NFL Combine, which means they’ve been scouting him for a while now. Woodson said that his formal interview with the Patriots was the only one he had at the combine, and he also had a Top 30 Visit with New England.
In an interview with local media after being drafted, Woodson said that it “stuck out” to him that his only interview with a team was with the Patriots and that his Top 30 Visit went well.
"The Patriots was my only formal interview at the Combine. So that was one thing that really stuck out to me. And once they brought me in for a [Top] 30 Visit, everything was just great. The staff was great, the coaches was great, and there was just good vibes there, and I think that me coming in is going to feel good."
A play that comes to mind when I think of Woodson is when he lined up on the edge in a game against the University of Miami. His six-foot frame made him look like a defensive end in a standing position on the edge. He came crashing in and made a tackle for no gain on the other side of the field.
#Patriots rookie safety Craig Woodson looks like a defensive end when he lines up on the edge. Woodson is versatile and can do it all as a defensive back.
— Justin Trombino (@Trombino20) April 26, 2025
(🎥UTR Prospects) #NEPats pic.twitter.com/78532a1XO0
After watching the film, I came away with Woodson being a do-it-all, big-hitting, versatile safety that can match up with any player on any level. He has the speed and transitional skills that come with playing as a defensive back in the NFL.
A player comparison that comes to mind is his new teammate Carlton Davis, whom the Patriots acquired in free agency. Davis is six-foot-one, 206 pounds, and is one of the top man-to-man corners in the NFL.
The Patriots landed a true stud of a player in Woodson.
One last note. There’s been a lot of talk on needing leaders and former captains this offseason as Vrabel continues to rebuild his defense. Woodson offers all of the leadership qualities any team wants in a player, so he's the perfect mid-round pick.