Woodson brings extensive experience to New England. He spent six years at Cal, including the COVID year in 2020 as well as a 2021 campaign lost to a knee injury. After returning from the injury, Woodson established himself as a leader and key figure in the Bears secondary.

He started all 38 games over his final three years and compiled 126 tackles, 21 passes defensed and five interceptions during that time. He also was a fixture in the kicking game, taking part in more than 450 special teams snaps during his college career.

“He’s selfless team guy,” Brown said. “I think he’s going to do really well in that organization. That’s something I want to make sure that you understand. That’s who he is. He’s a team-first guy who is all about doing the right things and whatever is necessary for success.”

Woodson, who was teammates with fellow safety Jaylinn Hawkins during his freshman season at Cal, embodies the type of attitude Vrabel is trying to instill. Brown believes his added college experience will benefit him at the next level because of his uncommon maturity.

“He’s a pro through and through,” Brown concluded. “He’s very intentional and diligent and deliberate with his habits. Whether that’s in practice or in the classroom. He’s intelligent and he’s going to play hard. He’s consistent every day. He’s literally the same person in all phases of his life.

“Faith is very important to him. He carries himself with the intent of being the best version of himself all the time. He has some edge to him as well and that shows on his tape. He plays with a highly competitive edge.”

And according to Brown, that’s no act.

Craig Woodson
S, 6-0, 200
California
Grand Prairie, Texas
4th round, 106th overall

Strengths: Mobile safety with fluid reactions to the ball … Displays good timing with ball in the air while patrolling back end … Able to defend without drawing flags with just one coverage penalty over his final three seasons … Has the ability to perform at or near the line of scrimmage … Willing and sure tackler … Has tons of special teams experience with more than 450 career snaps in the kicking game … Described by scouts as an A-plus person with plenty of experience with 38 starts over the last three seasons.

Weaknesses: Despite solid testing numbers, not considered an overly dynamic athlete … Relies on his instincts and can get in trouble at times when he takes a false step … Older prospect at age 24 … Just average in terms of size … Can take poor angles in pursuit at times.

Personal: Grew up in Nashville playing baseball, basketball and soccer … Began playing football following a move to Dallas-Forth Worth area when he was 8 … Attended Grand Prairie South High School where he was teammates with offensive lineman Steve Avila, a 2023 second-round pick of the Rams. … … Participated in track & field and was area runner-up in high jump in 2017 … Graduated with a degree in film and media in May 2023 and earned a graduate certificate in business administration in December 2023. … Attended the East-West Shrine Bowl …Twitter handle: @_CraigWoodson.

Comparable NFL player: Khari Willis, S, Indianapolis – Part-time starter/special teamer for Colts has similar size and athletic traits.