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.