After successfully prioritizing improving the offense at the start of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Patriots moved to the defensive side of the ball to address some of the biggest weaknesses. Besides double-dipping at pass rusher in the fourth and fifth rounds, they also added another safety to an already crowded room with Craig Woodson at pick No. 106.
It was not an expected position of need, given that Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers are still on the roster among several other unproven talents. However, because Mike Vrabel is clearly revamping the entire team, it makes sense that he would want to bring in fresh blood to compete for a roster spot.
The problem with the Woodson pick, though, is that it was immediately deemed a reach. He was widely considered a sixth-round selection, with most big boards having him as the 197th selection, so taking him in the fourth round earned Vrabel and Co. a bit of scrutiny from the jump.
That could inevitably come back to haunt them if Woodson doesn't pan out, which is a growing concern among analysts who have given their takes about the Patriots' 2025 draft class.
Patriots need to hope their risky draft pick works out or it could be another bust in the making
When considering the positives Woodson could bring to the Patriots, it's difficult to argue against Vrabel's interest in adding him to the roster. He was highly regarded as a great leader during his college career, and his versatility makes him a desirable talent for any team hoping to improve its defense, especially one that historically loves flexibility with its players.
There's a solid chance with the coaching staff that evaluated Woodson and who he will work with that he will be the kind of player they believe he is and can be; only time will tell. But because he has been labeled a reach, and quite a big one at that, he could become the first draft bust of Vrabel's tenure.
It's not a great look for the head coach in his first season if that becomes a reality, yet at the same time, there is a bit of a pass given to him because any draft pick can end up being wrong, no matter what round they're taken in.
Woodson could also prove far better than analysts initially believed, eventually becoming a draft steal. That would be the best-case scenario, making this year's draft class even better than the early projections.
It would then award even more praise to Eliot Wolf, whose first year as the Patriots' presumed general manager is not one to remember fondly. The 2025 class already has the potential to be the best group of at least the last five years. If Woodson becomes a star, that would seemingly certify that early belief.