The Patriots selected safety Criag Woodson from Cal. Woodson was a three year starter for the Bears. Woodson has range and can play in all three levels of the defense, especially in three safety packages. His speed and ability to match up in man coverage make him a true center fielder. 

M/M Coverage – Smooth in his movements. Fast. Woodson can screw down and match up on a receiver, running back or tight end in the slot and win vertically. Flips his hips with ease and stays in phase once he’s matched up. 

Zone Coverage – Fluid in his backpedal. Stays in motion and recognizes and drives on the ball. He doesn’t run through receivers, he anticipates, reads and goes. Shows good range over the top in Cover 2 and can close on fades and slot fades. 

Closing Quickness – Plants and drives on the ball. Attacks the ball not the body of the receiver. Not a burner by any means but he shows good patience and anticipation when playing downhill.  

Key & Diagnose – Does a good job of recognizing pass and run and hits it as soon as he processes the play. Has natural third level instincts. 

Lateral Pursuit – Moves well laterally and can close quickly. Natural mover on baseball turns over the top.  Woodson does have a tendency to get caught in the clutter in pursuit and takes questionable angles. 

Tackling – Fundamentally sound tackler who takes good angles, breaks down and finishes through the ball carrier.  

Pass Drop – Smooth, clean. Clicks his feet and drives on route breaks without contacting the receiver. Natural athleticism. He’s comfortable in his backpedal. 

Pass Coverage/Hands – Woodson finished with five career interceptions. Catches the ball cleanly and doesn’t fight it in contested catch situations. Attacks the ball in high point situations. 

Final Thoughts: The Patriots continued this weekend’s trend of emphasizing speed. Woodson is long and explosive. He can play over the top in coverage. He can also screw down and match up in man coverage. He gives the Patriots their first true free safety since Devin McCourty.