A New England Patriots rookie’s jersey number selection proves that the franchise has finally put a recently departed defender in the rearview mirror.
A New England Patriots fan reacts before Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. | John David Mercer-Imagn Images
New England Patriots fans are excited for the future now that the 2025 rookie class has arrived in town. From LSU’s Will Campbell to Memphis’ Kobee Minor and everyone in between, the Patriots’ incoming group of rookies has the potential to become long-term fixtures in head coach Mike Vrabel’s plans, perhaps as early as the upcoming NFL season.
The Patriots’ new rookies are only able to join the team because the front office sent several veteran players packing to begin the offseason. One of the offseason exits includes a former New England fan favorite, who just had his old jersey number stolen by one of the newest Pats.
Patriots Leave Jonathan Jones in the Past as Rookie S Craig Woodson Chooses No. 31
On Tuesday, the Patriots finally announced which numbers their 2025 rookie class would be wearing to begin their NFL careers. Several jersey choices caught the fanbase’s attention, including that of fourth-round pick Craig Woodson.
The former California Golden Bears safety will be wearing No. 31 next season, which is the same number worn by long-term Patriots fan favorite Jonathan Jones, who joined the Washington Commanders as a free agent earlier this offseason.
Rookie digits. pic.twitter.com/W51ZDNCL5y
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 6, 2025
It’s going to be weird for any Patriots fan to see someone else who isn’t Jones rocking No. 31. After all, it’s the number he’s worn since he joined New England as an undrafted free agent following the 2016 NFL draft.
Jones was a mainstay in the Patriots’ secondary throughout his nine-year run, racking up 343 solo tackles, 57 broken-up passes, 11 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, and 2.5 sacks in 132 games (71 starts). Although the ex-Auburn Tiger was never the best cornerback in the league, he did play a vital supporting role in the franchise’s last two Super Bowl victories.
With linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley released in March, long snapper Joe Cardona retiring last week, and now Jones having his jersey number taken, the fanbase has officially entered a new era of Patriots football.
As Jones is put in the past, time will tell if Woodson can live up to his new jersey digits. The 2024 first-team all-SEC defender displayed some potential throughout his five seasons with the Golden Bears, registering 165 solo tackles, 18 defended passes, five interceptions, and three forced fumbles in 46 outings.
He’s also coming off a final collegiate season that saw him record personal-best Pro Football Focus grades regarding coverage (88.6), run stoppage (85.6), and overall defense (88.5).
Patriots fans will have their first look at Woodson and the other 2025 first-year studs in their new jersey numbers when the annual rookie minicamp begins Friday morning.
