New England Patriots - NESN.com
Craig Woodson has already earned some respect in and around One Patriot Place.
Woodson, who spent six seasons at California before being taken in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, brings a different background to the table than many of his fellow rookies. The Patriots probably reached for him based on the consensus boards, but his leadership and on-field versatility are some of the most impressive traits in the entire class.
Patriots vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowden was complimentary of the rookie in the immediate aftermath of the draft. NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry came away from rookie minicamp most impressed with the 24-year-old.
Jabrill Peppers proved to be the latest notable name impressed with what he’s seen out of Woodson, per Mark Daniels of MassLive.
“I like him — smart, savvy,” Peppers said. “He’s done a great job soaking up what the coaches want him to do, different techniques. College ball is a little different than in the league, especially in the Pac-12. So, you know, he’s definitely done a good job.”
Peppers is notoriously tough to please on the practice fields, so any compliments coming from the veteran are to be taken seriously. New England has a particularly packed defensive backfield, with Woodson joining the likes of Peppers, Kyle Dugger, Marcus Epps, Jaylinn Hawkins, Dell Pettus and Marte Mape as potential difference makers.
It’s far from a guarantee that the rookie will crack that rotation early, but so far, so good.
