2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Craig Woodson

Woodson turned in a quietly strong performance at the Combine, running a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash and recording a 38" vertical jump. His testing helped him earn an 8.76 Relative Athletic Score (RAS), confirming that he’s more than just a tough, smart safety — he’s a decently athletic safety.

Background:

Craig Woodson was a three-star recruit out of Texas and committed to Cal in the 2019 class. After redshirting his first year, he steadily worked his way up the depth chart and became a full-time starter by 2021. Unfortunately, his first year as a starter was cut short due to a season-ending knee injury in fall camp. Woodson rebounded from the injury in impressive fashion, starting every game for the Golden Bears over the next three seasons. He played free and strong safety in Cal’s multiple-look defense, contributing in deep coverage, the box, and even occasionally in the slot.

Woodson became a leader on the Cal defense and was known for his intelligence, communication, and toughness. He finished his college career with 199 total tackles, 9.5 TFLs, five interceptions, and 14 passes defensed. He also contributed heavily on special teams with over 450 career snaps. NFL scouts rave about his maturity, work ethic, and locker-room presence — he’s the kind of guy you want in your building.

Strengths:

• He reads quarterbacks well and reacts quickly in zone coverage
• Covers ground efficiently in cover two and quarters schemes
• Big hitter who delivers clean, physical shots over the middle
• Excellent timing at the catch point to separate the ball from the receiver
• Reliable tackler who accelerates through contact
• Smooth, controlled movement in his transitions and deep drops
• Smart, assignment-sound player who rarely busts coverages
• Tons of special teams experience and strong football character

Weaknesses:

• Struggles in man coverage against quick, shifty slot receivers
• More smooth than sudden — lacks elite short-area twitch
• Veteran quarterbacks can manipulate Woodson with their eyes
• Doesn’t recover well after a false step or misread
• He turned 24 in April and has some medical history with a 2021 knee injury

Final Thoughts and Chicago Bears Fit for Craig Woodson

Craig Woodson thrives in zone coverage and is a bright, physical, and steady safety. He fits best in a defense that plays a lot of two-high shells — think Cover 2 or quarters — where he can use his eyes, instincts, and range to make plays from the deep third. He’s not going to thrive in man-heavy schemes or as a single-high centerfielder, but if you keep him in a role that plays to his strengths, he’ll reward you with clean play, few mistakes, and a physical presence on the back end. Woodson makes receivers hesitate before coming over the middle, and he’s an asset in run support with his reliable tackling and willingness to play downhill.

He’s the kind of player that defensive coordinators love because they can trust him to handle his responsibilities without needing to cover for him constantly. He might not be a star, but he brings stability and physicality. Additionally, his experience and maturity will make him a favorite of special teams coaches and DB coaches. Woodson looks like a long-term rotational safety who can start in a pinch, contribute on special teams immediately, and eventually carve out a role on defense in the right system.

Woodson makes a lot of sense for the Bears as a Day 3 depth piece behind Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard. With both starting safeties set to be free agents in 2026, the Bears can develop Woodson as one of their replacements. It will be a one-year audition for him, and if they aren't satisfied with his development or future, they can be aggressive in free agency to bring in a safety.

Woodson also brings special teams value immediately and could step into a rotational role in big nickel or three-safety looks. If the Bears want to round out their DB room with a tough, dependable safety who plays with edge and intelligence, Woodson should be on their radar late in the draft.

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