With their fifth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected safety Craig Woodson from Cal, focusing on desirable traits like character and speed. However, the choice sparked mixed evaluations from analysts, citing his age (24) and the fact he was ranked significantly lower (197) on most boards. While Woodson’s physicality and experience as a three-year starter raised some interest, concerns lingered about his standout traits and fitting into the existing roster, prompting a variety of grades ranging from C to D+.
Woodson definitely checks three of the boxes the Patriots are placing a lot of emphasis on this offseason: character, versatility, and speed. His processing needs to improve, and he does not fill any obvious need on the roster, but he should be able to find a role on defense and special teams from early on in his career.
A three-year starter at Cal, Woodson is a strong athlete who piled up 19 pass deflections and five interceptions in numerous spots along the backend the last three seasons - while also committing just one penalty in coverage.
With pick 106, the Patriots took a safety ranked at 197 by consensus boards. Woodson isn't a bad player, but he's an old prospect with no standout traits who projects as a depth safety and special teamer in the NFL.
The lack of length and true speed is a potential issue at the next level. Not sure where he fits in on this defense, but he is definitely a leader, so I would assume, with the focus on culture, that's a big reason why he is a Patriot.
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