Craig Woodson’s sixth collegiate season has been his best by far and he should be selected in the upcoming draft. Here is a 2025 NFL Draft Early Scouting Report and film analysis on him.
Overview, Film Analysis, and Early 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report of California DB Craig Woodson
Measurables:
- 6’0”
- 210 lbs
Player Background:
A 2019 South Grand Prairie HS graduate in Texas, Craig Woodson committed to California as a three-star safety. One of the 100 highest-ranked safeties in the country, he was able to get on the field his freshman year sparingly. He appeared in four games with two tackles before redshirting. He started two of the team’s four COVID-year games the following year, picking up 18 tackles and two pass deflections.
A season-ending injury in camp kept Woodson out of all of 2021. He made massive contributions in 2022, racking up 76 tackles, three PBUs, a forced fumble, and two picks. Starting every game in 2023, he produced similar numbers. He broke up four passes, made 79 tackles, forced two fumbles, and a pick. His 2024 has been elite so far, with his most ever PBUs in a season with 7. He’s tacked on two INTs as well as a defensive leader for the Golden Bears.
Accolades:
- Honorable Mention All-PAC 12 (2022)
- Fourth Team All-PAC 12 (2023)
- Campbell Trophy Semifinalist (2024)
- Third Team All-ACC (2024)
Strengths/Pros:
Woodson’s frame and athletic ability allow him to be serviceable at multiple safety positions in a plethora of alignments. He can set up off the edge and shoot into the backfield with a quick first step, generating pressure and impacting short-yardage runs. In the box, he alternates well between assignments over the middle with good passoffs. He also diagnoses quarterback scrambles quickly, and attacks them effectively with good angles.
His downhill pursuit speed is solid and he keeps his eyes on the ball throughout the play. Woodson is a smooth backward mover who maneuvers himself well in zone coverage. He plugs holes consistently in the run game with decent enough strength to hold his ground. He’s an elite tackler at all levels, can drop ball carriers with good force, and maintains good technique.
Weaknesses/Cons:
Turning 24 before draft day is a legitimate concern with Woodson’s NFL future, and it’s worth mentioning as a potential draft stock sinker. On the field, his explosiveness when closing out sideline routes needs work. He doesn’t have high-end speed which limits the perimeter of space he can cover. His hips stay a bit too high in his backpedal and he can get caught being too stiff on deep shots.
Woodson will be too choppy in coverage as the play develops downfield and can be too indecisive in picking an assignment to cover. He doesn’t counter momentum blocks well in the second level and gets moved off his center too often. His effort seems to dwindle as plays continue and he occasionally fails to put himself into positions where he can maximize impact. Conversely, he oversells on heavy pursuits and can fly by ball carriers.
Potential Team Fits:
NFL Projection:
While Woodson can play just about anywhere, as an NFL player he projects better as a rotational Swiss army knife. He plays well enough in the passing and running game but could get left out to dry if he’s relied on too much. His age makes things interesting and limits his prime and likely longevity, but he should have a good window of opportunity to provide secondary and special teams help on a 53-man roster.
Prospect Grade:
- Late 4th Round
Film Exposures:
- 2024 vs. Auburn
- 2024 vs. Miami
- 2024 vs. SMU
Main Photo: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
