Craig Woodson S California | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Craig Woodson S California
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
ROLE: Man-Zone Slot/Nickel Safety | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Last Updated: 02/14/2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
40 time: 4.60 seconds (37%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bowl Invite: Shrine Bowl | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
|
ROLE: Man-Zone Slot/Nickel Safety | |
Last Updated: 02/14/2025 | |
Draft Year: 2025 | |
40 time: 4.60 seconds (37%*) | |
Bowl Invite: Shrine Bowl | |
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
|
Overall Rating: | 82.2 / 100 | |
---|---|---|
Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
Offense Rating: |
|
79% |
Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
QB Rating When targeted: | 95.2 | |
Tackling: |
|
83% |
Run Defense: |
|
82% |
Coverage: |
|
82% |
Zone: |
|
77% |
Man/Press: |
|
80% |
DRAFT PROJECTION:
6th
Overall Rank:
#202
Position rank:
#37
|
||
College Games: 42 College Snaps: 2725 | ||
![]() ![]()
College Combine Results
|
||
![]() ![]() |
||
![]() ![]() |
Draft Profile: Bio
From the football hotbed of South Grand Prairie, Texas emerged Craig Woodson, a safety who would make the bold cross-country trek to become a cornerstone of California's defense. The former three-star recruit arrived in Berkeley as part of the 2019 class after a decorated high school career that saw him rack up 166 tackles and reach the Texas 6A state playoffs. After getting his feet wet with special teams work as a freshman and showing flashes in the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign, Woodson's trajectory hit a speed bump with a season-ending injury in 2021 training camp.The setback only fueled his fire. Woodson returned with a vengeance in 2022, starting all 12 games while notching 75 tackles and snagging two interceptions, including a 39-yard pick-six against UC Davis that announced his full return. His momentum continued into 2023, where he started all 13 games and recorded career highs with 81 tackles and two forced fumbles, earning Fourth-team All-Pac-12 honors. The 6'0", 210-pound defender saved his best for last in 2024, earning Third Team All-ACC recognition while racking up 70 tackles, two interceptions, and a career-high seven pass breakups. His stellar play, particularly in big games like a 10-tackle performance against Stanford and clutch interceptions against Oregon State and Wake Forest, had NFL scouts marking him as a player on the rise.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Explosive downhill trigger against the run - arrives at the point of attack with bad intentions and consistently drives through contact with textbook form
- Natural feel for blitz timing off the edge, showing quick acceleration and craftiness to slip blocks while pressuring the quarterback
- Fluid backpedal and loose hips allow him to transition smoothly in coverage, particularly when matching up against tight ends in man coverage
- High football IQ shows up in zone coverage - processes route combinations quickly and understands how to funnel receivers to his help
- Reliable open-field tackler who breaks down well in space and rarely allows extra yards after contact due to excellent technique
- Versatile chess piece who lined up everywhere from single-high to box safety, allowing defensive coordinators to disguise coverages
- Special teams experience dating back to freshman year - blocked kicks and return ability add immediate value to NFL roster
- Natural leader who commanded respect through consistent play and football intelligence rather than just vocal presence
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Long speed is a legitimate concern - this shows up when trying to recover against vertical routes from slot receivers
- Can get too aggressive pursuing run fits, occasionally overrunning his gap and creating cutback lanes for patient backs
- Lacks ideal length to consistently win contested catch situations against bigger tight ends down the seam
- Will be a 24-year old rookie, limiting his theoretical ceiling and development runway at the next level
- Zone instincts still developing - can get caught peeking into backfield too long and lose track of crossing routes behind him
Scouting Report: Summary
Woodson projects as a scheme-specific safety who excels when playing downhill and keeping the action in front of him. His instincts shine brightest within 15 yards of the line of scrimmage, where his ability to diagnose plays and trigger quickly makes him a reliable run defender. In coverage, he shows best in quarters alignments where he can read route combinations and drive on underneath throws with conviction.Film study reveals clear strengths and limitations that will shape his NFL role. His football intelligence and physicality stand out consistently, particularly in his tackling technique and ability to defeat blocks in the run game. However, the athletic limitations – especially in terms of long speed and change of direction – will require careful deployment. He's not built to play single-high or match up with vertical threats, but his effectiveness in underneath zones and run support provides genuine value.
The complete evaluation points to a backup safety with the potential to contribute in specific packages and situations. While his age and athletic profile may limit his ultimate ceiling, his instincts, tackling reliability, and special teams experience provide a solid foundation. He projects best in a defense that employs multiple safety looks and emphasizes physical play near the line of scrimmage. Though he may not develop into a full-time starter, his football character and understanding of leverage should help him establish a role as a reliable defensive contributor.
How other scouting services rate Craig Woodson (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
210.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
57.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.