If Craig Woodson's football career doesn't unfold as planned, his position coach at Cal-Berkeley believes he could have an interesting option to fall back on.

"He has such a bright personality," Cal defensive backs coach Terrence Brown said. "I'm always joking with him that he should do some acting or modeling or something. He just has so much personality. We've really enjoyed our time, and we've shared so many memorable moments together."

The Patriots certainly hope Woodson's potential acting career is put on hold, at least for now. They chose the Cal safety in the fourth round, 106th overall, and his versatility on the back end is intriguing.

"At Cal, we ran every bit of coverage you could think of," Woodson said shortly after being drafted. "This last year, I played boundary safety. We made all the checks and communications in the back end. The last two years before, I played field safety. I have experience with both sides of the safety range.

"With the man coverage they do and just putting me at a single high or quarters, I think I have comfort with that and just making the communication. You've got to be able to make the calls and have a mental aspect of just knowing everything's coming fast. You've got to be able to communicate and say the right things and get everybody lined up. That's what I do best."

Those traits clearly caught the attention of Mike Vrabel and his personnel staff. They were the only team to have a formal interview with Woodson at the Combine, and the safety also traveled to Foxborough for a 30 visit as well.

"Craig's a player that we had some great exposure with at the East-West game," vice president of player personnel director Ryan Cowden said. "He's a great person, a high level of character, a really smart football player. I think the communication skills that he possesses at the safety position are something that sets him apart. Cal's had a history of having really good communicators in their program from the defensive secondary standpoint."

And the Patriots have a need for a strong communicator along the back end of their defense. Since the retirement of Devin McCourty after the 2022 season, New England's safety room has lacked the rangy, savvy skillset that the veteran brought.

With physical run-support players like Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger at their best near the line of scrimmage, Woodson's profile as more of a free safety type would fill a need. The Patriots have struggled defending deep balls in recent seasons, and having someone in centerfield to prevent big plays like the ones turned in by Seattle's D.K. Metcalf, the Rams Cooper Kupp and Jacksonville's Brian Thomas a year ago would benefit the group.

"That's what those guys get paid to do and I'm sure they'll figure out how they're going to use Craig," Brown said of Woodson's potential role. "Him being able to understand how the defense works is going to benefit him. If he's asked to play on top of the roof, he has the skill to do that very effectively. Just keeping everyone inside of the house safe. He's going to be a guy who can keep an eye on anyone who can do damage.

"The beauty of what we do schematically is we have the versatility to do everything. He can play to the field and boundary as well as in the big nickel in a 4-2-5 system."

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.

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What they're saying …

Woodson reads the receiver and then gets his eyes on the quarterback in off-coverage over the slot. He is quick, fills gaps and wraps up when he lines up at linebacker depth. -- Steve Muench, ESPN.com

DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer