Latest news with #JabrillPeppers
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3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Veteran starter impressed with Patriots rookie safety
FOXBOROUGH – It all starts in the spring. It's here during OTAs where young players start to make their mark. Since there's no contact allowed, these practices often showcase wide receivers and defensive backs. It's at this time when unknown players start to build a foundation. Advertisement That's exactly what Craig Woodson has started to do. Drafted in the fourth round, 106th overall, the Patriots rookie safety has stuck out in the team's first two open practices of 2025. His habits on and off the field have also impressed veteran starting safety Jabrill Peppers. 'I like him – smart, savvy,' Peppers said. 'He's done a great job soaking up what the coaches want him to do, different techniques. College ball is a little different than in the league – especially in the Pac-12. So, you know, he's definitely done a good job.' In the first open OTA practice, Woodson made an instant impact on defense. On a play where Drake Maye tried to connect with Hunter Henry, the rookie safety jumped in front of the veteran tight end for an interception. Advertisement Henry argued that he was held, but Woodson and his defensive teammates were celebrating on the field. Wednesday's practice marked the second session open to the media and Woodson made another nice play. This time, he broke up a Joshua Dobbs pass in the first 11-on-11 period. A sixth-year senior at California, Woodson comes to New England as a 24-year-old rookie. His experience in college is already paying off. The first-year player joins a veteran-laden depth chart with Peppers, Kyle Dugger, Marcus Epps, Jaylinn Hawkins, and Dell Pettus. Through two weeks of OTAs, Woodson has done a good job of separating himself. Advertisement After being drafted, Woodson said he was coming to New England to prove himself. 'I think I can bring versatility when it comes to coverage, just being in the deep post or being in the deep half,' Woodson said. 'I had some interceptions in the deep half this year, making plays on the ball. 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.' BETTING: The Patriots are listed at -140 to win over 7.5 games on bet365. Our complete list of Massachusetts sportsbook promos will help you determine which sportsbook to use. For all of the best Patriots over/under bets, check out our expert analysis. More Patriots Content Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Patriots defensive starter suffers apparent leg injury at OTAs
It looks like the Patriots might be without a veteran linebacker. On Wednesday, Jahlani Tavai went down after a non-contact 11-on-11 play. The 28-year-old was down for several minutes with team doctors and trainers focused on his left leg. Advertisement At the time, the Patriots turned off the music to practice and players took a knee around Tavai. The looks on their faces showed the concern they had for their teammate. After being helped to his feet, Tavai struggled to walk off the field. Jabrill Peppers helped the linebacker to the sideline and then Michael Onwenu took over and helped the trainers get Tavai to a different spot on the practice field. Tavai left practice soon after that – and was taken off-site for further medical evaluation. Tavai was one of the few holdovers from last year's Patriots defense. He's coming off one of the best seasons of his career. Last year, he started 16-of-17 games played and led the Patriots with 115 total tackles. Tavai also had five passes defended, two quarterback hits, a sack, and an interception. Advertisement Under Mike Vrabel, the team has revamped the linebacker room in Foxborough with lighter and quicker players. Those new additions include Robert Spillane and Jack Gibbens. The Patriots also have Christian Elliss, Monty Rice (who played for Vrabel in Tennessee), and undrafted free agents Elijah Ponder and Cam Riley. More Patriots Content Read the original article on MassLive.
