The second day of the 2025 NFL Draft was spent prioritizing the offense for the Patriots, and so far, they've nailed this year's class. It's an exciting change from the feeling most analysts and fans felt at this point during last year's draft, with Mike Vrabel and Co. seemingly hitting every vulnerable area on the offense to help Drake Maye.
Because of that, it was unsurprising to hear GM Eliot Wolf reveal their intent to focus on the defense during the final rounds. Given the positions still needing to be improved, there were solid players available to address those needs.
They stuck to that with their early fourth-round pick by selecting Cal State safety Craig Woodson at No. 106, a starting quality player with a lot of physicality and high intellect to make him the best next Patriot.
However, besides being a shocking pick because the safety room in New England is already deep, he is also the first big reach by the new regime, as Woodson was considered a sixth-round pick heading into the draft.
The Patriots might regret reaching for Craig Woodson in the fourth round
Despite receiving high praise and a projection to be a day one starter, Woodson was much lower on most draft boards, making the Patriots' decision to take him early in the fourth round much more unsettling. It's even more confusing considering how talented their current safety room is with Kyle Dugger, Marte Mapu, and Jabrill Peppers leading the way.
It means there will be a lot of competition at the position throughout training camp, and Woodson will have the chance to win a starting role over one of his new teammates. Because he is anticipated to fit that already, it wouldn't be surprising to see that happen during his rookie year.
Another unsurprising factor, and maybe the reason the Patriots reached for him, is that he fits what Vrabel typically likes in a safety. His versatility matches the kind of player the head coach has had on the Titans in the past and makes Woodson stand out amongst his new peers.
Mike Vrabel’s history has been to lean on versatile safeties (Kevin Byard, Amani Hooker, Kenny Vaccaro) who can run, hit, and make plays on the ball.
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) April 26, 2025
Craig Woodson certainly profiles as a do-it-all type at the third level. https://t.co/BJLLQqRc3B
He's undoubtedly an impressive prospect, and despite his reach, he is receiving rave reviews about what he can bring to the Patriots' secondary.
With that concern put away, there are worries about the possible mistake in taking him so early. He likely would have been available in the fifth or sixth round, and the Patriots could have used the pick on a more needy position like EDGE or linebacker. Their options at those positions now will be far more limited, especially since they don't pick again until No. 144.