Craig Woodson emerges as potential breakout safety for Patriots in 2026
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 21, 2026, 10:30 AM
Last updated Aug 21, 2026
Patriots safety Craig Woodson is viewed as a candidate for a breakout season in 2026. A fourth-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, Woodson played extensively as a rookie, logging 1,202 snaps in 2025. He excelled in run defense and aims to improve his coverage ability with the addition of Kevin Byard III. In Super Bowl LX, he was a key player, leading the team in tackles. Woodson joins an impressive secondary that includes Byard, Christian Gonzalez, and Carlton Davis III as they pursue the next Super Bowl title.
- •Craig Woodson played 1,202 snaps in the 2025 season.
- •He had a 89.7 run-defense grade and a 63.0 coverage grade.
- •Woodson led the team with 10 tackles in Super Bowl LX.
- •The Patriots' secondary features NFL interceptions leader Kevin Byard.
- 10:30 AMYahoo Sports — Will 2025 NFL Draft steal safety break out for the Patriots in 2026?
"Patriots safety Craig Woodson could be on the verge of a breakout season in 2026.
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