The New England Patriots signed Kevin Byard to a one-year deal this offseason. That got the headlines. Byard led the NFL in interceptions last season. He’s a known name. But the guy lining up next to him might be the real story in 2026.
Craig Woodson was a fourth-round pick last year. By the end of his rookie season, he was starting 15 games for a team that made a Super Bowl run. Not bad for a guy nobody was talking about.
Chad Graff of The Athletic wrote that Woodson was “quietly great” as a rookie. He credited Woodson with being able to help in run support and handle deep coverage. Graff thinks that even with Byard’s arrival, Woodson could be the one who stands out most in New England’s secondary this season.
Woodson’s stat line from last year is solid. 79 tackles. Three passes defended. Two fumble recoveries. He played all 17 games. His Pro Football Focus grade of 63.8 might not jump off the page, ranking 53rd among 98 qualifying safeties. But his run defense grade of 78.5, which ranked 20th, shows something real.
The guy can hit. He can read the run. And now he gets to learn from a veteran who has done it at an elite level for years. Byard is 32 and still playing at a high level. Having him next to Woodson isn’t just about production on the field. It’s about mentorship. It’s about having someone who’s seen every formation and can talk through what’s coming.
If Woodson takes the step forward that Graff expects, the Patriots could have a secondary that opponents fear. Byard on one side. Woodson on the other. And a defense that already knows how to win big games.
The Patriots have had some great safety tandems over the years. Rodney Harrison and Eugene Wilson. Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung. This pairing has a chance to be mentioned in that kind of company. Woodson just needs to keep improving. And with Byard in the room, he has every reason to.
Leave a Comment