Rookie safety Craig Woodson, a fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots in the 2025 NFL Draft, is already making his presence felt in early minicamp action. With impressive speed, sharp instincts, and a fearless playing style, Woodson is turning heads and adding serious intensity to the competition in the Patriots’ secondary.

A product of Cal, Woodson stands out for his versatility — capable of playing deep coverage or dropping into the box with equal effectiveness. His skill set fits seamlessly into the flexible, aggressive defensive identity that head coach Mike Vrabel is crafting in Foxborough. While veterans like Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers remain atop the depth chart, recent injuries to other defenders have opened the door for Woodson to make his case.

“Craig has impressed not only with his technique but with his attitude and how quickly he’s picking up the system,” said one member of the Patriots’ coaching staff.

In recent practices, Woodson has strung together a series of standout plays — including sharp breaks on the ball and excellent route recognition — particularly when matched up against rookie wideouts Ja’Lynn Polk and Tayvion Robinson. His early performance is reinforcing the idea that he could be a valuable contributor to a deep and talented Patriots defense this season.

As full training camp nears, all eyes will be on whether Woodson can maintain this momentum, especially once padded practices and preseason games begin. He’s not just fighting for a roster spot — he’s making a statement about his long-term future in New England’s defensive backfield.

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🏈 Note: The Patriots have a long-standing tradition of developing late-round defensive gems. Could Craig Woodson be the next name added to that legacy in Foxborough?