The New England Patriots went into the 2025 NFL Draft with the intention of re-shaping a lot of the roster. From massive changes to the offense to key additions on defense and special teams, the Patriots were busy during the draft.
During the Patriots’ rookie minicamp, the rookies got a chance to see the practice fields for the first time in a Patriots uniform. According to Phil Perry, during a segment on the Patriots Talk Podcast, two rookies stood out to Patriots staff members: offensive tackle Will Campbell and safety Craig Woodson.
“Just reaching out to some people with the team after that finished up [rookie minicamp], the two names I got in terms of most-impressive players at Patriots rookie minicamp; Will Campbell, which you would expect, and Craig Woodson, fourth-round pick out of [California]. They love his football IQ, they love his movement skills.”
As Perry mentions, most expected Campbell to be the center of attention during the Patriots’ rookie minicamp. But Campbell wasn’t alone, as Woodson also stood out to the Patriots staff.
The Patriots took the California safety in the fourth round at pick 106. Woodson is projected to be a backup safety, but he has experience in the nickel in college as well.
He’s coming off a solid year where he had 70 tackles, nine pass breakups, and two interceptions. Woodson would normally be another day-three pick, but after an impressive showing in rookie minicamp, there might be more there.
On the Patriots’ depth chart on Ourlads.com, Woodson is listed as the second nickel-back behind Marcus Jones. If he were listed at safety, he’d be behind Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers.
While all three players ahead of Woodson have been solid for New England, Woodson could make a run for a starting job during OTAs and training camp. Defensive back depth is always a good thing to have, and Woodson, at worst, will be solid depth at three spots for the Patriots.