Cal Safety Craig Woodson Drafted in Fourth Round by Patriots

Cal safety Craig Woodson became the second Cal defensive back taken in the 2025 NFL draft when the New England Patriots selected him in the fourth round on Saturday. He was the fourth pick of the fourth round and the 106th selection overall.

Woodson was the seventh safety taken in this year's draft.

Woodson spent six years at Cal and is a mature player at 24 years old.

His football intelligence, instincts and ball skills have never been questioned. But there were concerns about Woodson’s speed until he was clocked in 4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, surprising NFL scouts.

“That was really the one thing I had to prove, that I could run,” Woodson said at Cal’s Pro Day last month. “I read some stuff sometimes, they kind of ding me for my speed, but I got speed and I showed that at the Combine."

Talking with reporters Saturday after being drafted, said he fell in love with football as a youngster becauae he enjoyed the game's physical aspect.

“Hitting people is what I’ve liked to do since I was a kid,” Woodson said. “When I first started playing football, like, just running up, hitting somebody, smacking them, just getting them on the ground, that’s everything I’ve loved since I was a kid.”

Woodson reacts in the video below to being picked by Patriots

The 6-foot, 210-pound Woodson 226 tackles, five interceptions and 13 pass breakups while playing all 38 games over his final three seasons at Cal.

The drafting of Nohl Williams in the third round and Woodson in the fourth means that at least one Cal defensive back has been chosen in the draft six years in row. Woodson is also the 18th Cal defensive back that has been drafted since 2000.

Woodson becomes the seventh Cal player currently on NFL rosters as safeties. Camryn Bynum (Colts), Ashtyn Davis (Dolphins), Jaylinn Hawkins (Patriots), Patrick McMorris (Dolphins), Daniel Scott (Colts) and Elijah Hicks (Bears) are all on NFL rosters at the safety position as of today.

Woodson has shot to get on the field as a rookie with the Patriots, and he may be competing with fellow Cal alum Hawkins for playing time. Woodson is added to a Patriots safety depth chart that has Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers on top, but also includes Hawkins, Marcus Epps, Marte Mapu and others.

The Patriots need help at the free safety spot, and that is Woodson's best position. He also has the versatility to be a nickelback, which makes him a valuable piece.

One more Cal player -- linebacker Teddye Buchanan -- is expected to be drafted later Saturday, and there is an outside chance that a third Cal defensive back, Marcus Harris, will be selected on the final day of the draft.