Latest news with #CraigWoodson
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Stefon Diggs already provided one Patriots rookie with his welcome to the NFL moment
FOXBOROUGH — New England Patriots rookie Craig Woodson's 'welcome to the NFL' moment came early in his career. And luckily, it occurred during practice rather than a game. After Tuesday's padded training camp practice, Woodson spoke with reporters about a particular play that involved four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs. 'Stefon got over me. I gotta have better leverage on that,' Woodson said. 'Plays like that let me know I'm here, this is the NFL, everybody's good. So I've just got to be on my 'A' game.' And the quarterbacks are also giving him a wake-up call. "One thing I've learned is that these quarterbacks, they are good," Woodson said of his first NFL training camp. "They can make those throws from sideline to sideline, so I have to have that range." Woodson was selected by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft out of the University of California. For his final three years with the Golden Bears, Woodson had a starting role. Specifically in 2024, he recorded 45 solo tackles, two interceptions, and nine pass breakups across 13 games. And he credits his time at Cal for helping prepare him for the NFL. "Cal really prepared me for this moment. We did a lot of coverage and different things," Woodson explained. "So I think just having that comfortability from college and then coming here just helps." Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Veteran starter impressed with Patriots rookie safety
FOXBOROUGH – It all starts in the spring. It's here during OTAs where young players start to make their mark. Since there's no contact allowed, these practices often showcase wide receivers and defensive backs. It's at this time when unknown players start to build a foundation. Advertisement That's exactly what Craig Woodson has started to do. Drafted in the fourth round, 106th overall, the Patriots rookie safety has stuck out in the team's first two open practices of 2025. His habits on and off the field have also impressed veteran starting safety Jabrill Peppers. 'I like him – smart, savvy,' Peppers said. 'He's done a great job soaking up what the coaches want him to do, different techniques. College ball is a little different than in the league – especially in the Pac-12. So, you know, he's definitely done a good job.' In the first open OTA practice, Woodson made an instant impact on defense. On a play where Drake Maye tried to connect with Hunter Henry, the rookie safety jumped in front of the veteran tight end for an interception. Advertisement Henry argued that he was held, but Woodson and his defensive teammates were celebrating on the field. Wednesday's practice marked the second session open to the media and Woodson made another nice play. This time, he broke up a Joshua Dobbs pass in the first 11-on-11 period. A sixth-year senior at California, Woodson comes to New England as a 24-year-old rookie. His experience in college is already paying off. The first-year player joins a veteran-laden depth chart with Peppers, Kyle Dugger, Marcus Epps, Jaylinn Hawkins, and Dell Pettus. Through two weeks of OTAs, Woodson has done a good job of separating himself. Advertisement After being drafted, Woodson said he was coming to New England to prove himself. 'I think I can bring versatility when it comes to coverage, just being in the deep post or being in the deep half,' Woodson said. 'I had some interceptions in the deep half this year, making plays on the ball. I think for me, I really have the versatility to do anything and even match up with a receiver if it comes down to it. For me, my play style is really anywhere. I don't think there's anything that I can't do on the field. I'm just ready to show that to Patriots Nation.' BETTING: The Patriots are listed at -140 to win over 7.5 games on bet365. Our complete list of Massachusetts sportsbook promos will help you determine which sportsbook to use. For all of the best Patriots over/under bets, check out our expert analysis. More Patriots Content Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
7 takeaways as Drake Maye struggles in Patriots OTAs
FOXBOROUGH – Drake Maye dropped back and threw the ball looking for rookie Kyle Williams. Instead, the quarterback's pass went right to Patriots safety Dell Pellus. On the next play, Maye attempted to connect with DeMario Douglas. That's when Christian Gonzalez jumped in front of the pass for another interception. Advertisement After a rough first period of 11-on-11 drills in Tuesday's Patriots OTAs session, Maye returned to the field for the next period where he promptly threw two more interceptions. Gonzalez made the young quarterback pay on a deep overthrow to Williams for his second pick of the practice. On the next play, rookie safety Craig Woodson intercepted Maye on a pass to Hunter Henry. The Patriots first open practice of 2025 didn't start on a positive note for Maye. As the afternoon went on, however, the 22-year-old settled down and finished strong. After starting 4-of-8 with four interceptions, Maye completed 7-of-8 passes to end Wednesday's practice. The quarterback finished 11-of-16 overall with four turnovers. Tuesday marked the second OTA practice for the Patriots and the first open to the media. Advertisement Here are the other main takeaways from Tuesday's practice: Drake Maye struggled but finished strong Maye's tough start was unusual. Last spring, Maye threw three total interceptions during five open practices between OTAs and minicamp. In his first training camp, he threw five total interceptions in competitive drills. On Tuesday, he threw more interceptions in two 11-on-11 series than he did all last offseason. There is going to be a learning curve for Maye as he learns Josh McDaniels' system. After the four picks, Maye was automatic in the final two series. His final period ended with two highlight throws – a deep ball to Kyle Williams with Craig Woodson in coverage and another deep ball to Javon Baker with Christian Gonzalez in coverage. Advertisement The other two Patriots quarterbacks also struggled on Tuesday. Joshua Dobbs finished 7-of-13 and Ben Wooldridge completed 3-of-8 passes in full-team drills. Attendance For optional practices, the Patriots had a solid showing of attendance. The team missed five players from practice – Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, Rhamondre Stevenson, Sidy Sow, and Joshua Farmer. Hollins was present in street clothes while Diggs is rehabbing his knee injury. Before practice, Vrabel said Stevenson was home due to personal reasons after his father, Robert, died in March. 'I've been in constant communication with him. Obviously, our thoughts and prayers with him and his family as they heal and they grieve,' Vrabel said.' I want to be a part of that to help them and get to know him. I met him early on and then he went back, and now those conversations have just been over the telephone.' Advertisement The Patriots had several players limited on Tuesday: Ja'Lynn Polk, Morgan Moses, Michael Onwenu, Vederian Lowe, Jared Wilson, and Jahvaree Ritzie. Javon Baker made a statement After the Patriots drafted Williams in the third round, the pressure increased for Javon Baker. Last year's fourth-round pick struggled to get on the field and finished with one catch as a rookie. That's why it was notable that Baker made the best catch of the day. In the final 11-on-11 period, Maye threw him a deep ball on the right sideline. Gonzalez was draped all over Baker, but somehow, the wide receiver caught the ball in an extremely tight window. It was an impressive catch. Will Campbell is a Day 1 starter This isn't a surprise, but Will Campbell spent all of Tuesday's practice as the Patriots top left tackle. Drafted fourth overall, the LSU product is being thrust into the Patriots projected top lineup from the get-go. Advertisement The Patriots mixed and matched their offensive line on Tuesday, but only Campbell and center Garrett Bradbury were the constants when Maye was under center. The first offensive line, with Maye on the field, had Campbell (left tackle), Cole Strange (left guard), Bradbury (center), Michael Onwenu (right guard), and Morgan Moses (right tackle). With several players limited, that lineup chanted to Campbell (left tackle), Wes Schweitzer (left guard), Bradbury (center), Strange (right guard), and Caedan Wallace (right tackle) to start 11-on-11s. Undrafted free-agent receiver stands out Keep an eye on Efton Chism III. An undrafted free agent out of Eastern Washington, Chism stuck out multiple times on Tuesday. In college, he broke several Cooper Kupp school records, and it was easy to see why. Advertisement Chism hauled in three of Dobbs' seven completions. He also caught two passes from Wooldridge. A slot receiver, his speed sticks out – and he was also in the kickoff return rotation. His five catches on Tuesday led all Patriots pass catchers. Two offensive rookies look the part There are no pads on, or contact allowed, so historically, it's hard to evaluate running backs. On Tuesday, however, it was easy to notice TreVeyon Henderson. The Patriots second-round pick is extremely fast with the ball in his hands. With Rhamondre Stevenson out due to personal reasons, Henderson worked with Maye's offensive group. The rookie caught two passes in a row from Maye in 11-on-11s. Advertisement Williams' day wasn't perfect as he was targeted on two of Maye's interceptions. However, the third-round pick made one of the best plays of the day when he caught a Maye deep pass on the left sideline with Woodson in tight coverage. Rookie kicker makes good impression The Patriots enter this offseason looking for a new kicker for the third straight season. On Tuesday, sixth-round pick Andy Borregales looked like the real deal. The kicker from Miami connected on all four of his attempts – ranging between 35 and 55 yards. He's competing with Parker Romo, who misses two of his four field goal attempts. Advertisement Borregales was the first kicker drafted in April. We saw why on Tuesday. More Patriots Content Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
VIDEO: Susan Moore football coach Wes Patterson previews upcoming season
Cal coach praises the football character of rookie safety Craig Woodson California football head coach Justin Wilcox talks with Phil Perry on the Next Pats podcast about how Craig Woodson's versatility can benefit the Patriots. Cal coach praises the football character of rookie safety Craig Woodson originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston 1:49 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
Boston Globe
03-06-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Patriots first-round pick Will Campbell signs rookie contract
The 21-year-old, a left tackle at Louisiana State, has been working with the Patriots' starting offensive line during the spring. The 6-foot-6-inch, 319-pounder was a first-team All-American last year, and a finalist for the Lombardi Award, given annually to the nation's top lineman. Second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson and fourth-round choice Craig Woodson are New England's only remaining unsigned rookies. Christopher Price can be reached at
