Patriots Fans Will Love How This Draftee Describes Hard-Hitting Play Style

The New England Patriots inherited some self-proclaimed nastiness when they drafted offensive tackle Will Campbell fourth overall.

That certainly will pair well with what fourth-round pick Craig Woodson brings to the table.

The California safety fully embraces the physical part of football, and there’s nothing Woodson enjoys more on the gridiron than doling out some punishing tackles, which could make him a fan favorite in New England.

“Hitting people is what I’ve been liking to do since I was a kid,” Woodson told reporters after getting drafted Saturday, per team-provided transcript. “When I first started playing football, just growing up, hitting somebody, smacking them, getting them on the ground, that’s everything that I’ve loved since (I was a) kid. Coming into college and being physical as well, coming from Texas as well. We played physical football down in Texas. Bringing that to college at Cal, it was great.

“I think for me, that’s really the thrill of the game, just running and hitting. That’s what I love, running and hitting. I’m going to love bringing that to New England. I know there’s guys there who are going to be on the same page.”

Woodson will probably get along well with fellow safety Jabrill Peppers, who possesses the same hard-hitting nature that Woodson does.

The 6-foot, 200-pound defensive back spent six seasons at Cal and racked up 245 tackles over that time, including 70 in his final season with the Golden Bears. He also had five interceptions and 21 passes defended in his career as well.

While Woodson loves to throw his body around and make opponents pay, he feels he can offer more than just that to the Patriots.

“I think I can bring versatility when it comes to coverage, just being in the deep post or being in the deep half. I had some interceptions in the deep half this year, making plays on the ball,” Woodson said. “I think for me, I really have the versatility to do anything and even match up with a receiver if it comes down to it. For me, my play style is really anywhere. I don’t think there’s anything that I can’t do on the field. I’m just ready to show that to Patriots Nation.”