The Patriots selected Woodson in the fourth round of last month’s NFL Draft.
The New England Patriots opened the 2025 NFL Draft with four straight selections invested in what was at times a moribund offense the previous season. The fifth pick, meanwhile, went to a player few had projected as an early fourth-rounder: safety Craig Woodson out of Cal.
Woodson was chosen 106th overall by the Patriots — a significant overdraft when comparing his draft slot to his standing on the consensus big board. Despite the 91-pick difference, however, it is not hard to see why New England felt that he was worthy of joining the team early on Day 3: Woodson is a do-it all defender who brings experience and leadership to the equation.
He also brings some confidence, it seems.
“I don’t think it’s going to be anything too difficult for me,” he said about going from college to the pros. “I think I’m going to come in and really transition easily.”
Why would Woodson express such a confidence in his ability to make the jump to the NFL and a Patriots secondary full with established veterans? Because his profile very much fits what the team of new head coach Mike Vrabel is looking for.
Look no further than Woodson’s background. A three-year starter at Cal, he finished his college career with 245 tackles, three forced fumbles and five interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. More importantly, however, he wore multiple hats for the Golden Bears on both defense and special teams.
“At Cal, we ran every bit of coverage you could think of,” he explained. “This last year, I played boundary safety. We made all the checks and communications in the back end. The last two years before last year, I played field safety. I have the experience with both sides of the safety range.
“With the man coverage they do, and just putting me at a single high or putting quarters, I think I have comfortability with that and just making the communication, because that’s safeties. You’ve got to be able to make the calls and have a mental aspect of just knowing everything’s coming fast. You’ve got to be able to communicate and say the right things and get everybody lined up. That’s what I do best.”
Woodson’s versatility does not end with the defensive side of the ball. In addition to having played 2,725 defensive snaps all over the secondary, he also played 450 special teams snaps on five units.
In 46 career games, he registered 13 kicking game tackles and blocked a punt.
“I’ve been in every bit of special teams,” he explained. “When I first came in as a freshman, I was really all-four core. But I did a lot of punt in my career. PVR, ran on kickoff, as the safety on kickoff. So, whatever they need me to do on special teams in New England, I’m there for it. I’m not the type of player who’s like, ‘I’m too good for special teams,’ or trying to run away from it. Special teams is another extension of defense in my mind.
“So, being able to set the defense up for good field position — or even the offense when it comes to special teams — you’ve got to take advantage of that. Put me on the field on special teams. I’m going down there and will make a play.”
Woodson has yet to prove his ability to make plays against NFL competition. However, if his college career is any indication the Patriots will put him in positions to do so, no matter what those positions will ultimately look like.
In that, the team sees value. Overdraft or not.