Tariq Woolen drawing Richard Sherman comparisons for Seahawks
SEATTLE (BVM) – Each week that passes in the NFL season allows for the comparison between Tariq Woolen and Richard Sherman to grow. What once seemed like a draft coincidence has now turned into a serious topic of discussion as it looks like the Seattle Seahawks might have uncovered another draft gem.
For the fourth straight week, the rookie cornerback recorded another interception while also adding to his Defensive Rookie of the Year resume with a second fumble recovery this year. Heading into the team’s matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, Woolen sported the fourth–lowest quarterback rating in the league at 40.2.
With a relatively unknown resume entering the season, Woolen is quickly adding his name into contention for individual honors, even with New York Jets rookie cornerback Sauce Gardner as the early favorite. With a hot start through six weeks, the Seahawks’ rising star is starting to play up to the mantle Sherman once left behind, already matching the former All-Pro’s rookie interception totals just a quarter of the way through the season. Just six games through the season, Woolen still has time to prove that he can keep up the monumental pace.
Make that 4! And he has alot more to go!!!! @_Tariqwoolen pic.twitter.com/oOv7SPEg4Q
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) October 16, 2022
The 6-foot-4, 210-pound cornerback was labeled as a “project” coming out of his redshirt senior season at UTSA after originally being recruited as a wide receiver. Making the switch during his sophomore year, the thought was Woolen would need more time to get adjusted to the NFL level with limited experience on the defensive side.
Following an impressive showing during the 2022 Senior Bowl, teams began to take notice of the unique measurables that the Roadrunners’ star was able to showcase. Behind his blazing 4.26 second 40-yard dash and nearly 79-inch wingspan, Woolen began to fit the mold of previous Seahawks defensive backs who helped the team to Super Bowl runs throughout the past decade. The only difference, Woolen’s coveted speed is an added element many of the team’s former cornerbacks lacked.
“I don’t remember feeling like this about a young cornerback out there that goes week after week after week,” Pete Carroll said in his postgame press conference. “Coming from where he came from, and to be this far along, and to have this much fun and success, it’s really fun to watch. I’m surprised that [Woolen and Coby Bryant] have been so consistent.”
With Seattle once drafting Sherman with the 154th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Seahawks are hoping this year’s 153rd pick can become the team’s next lockdown option. So far, the Seahawks’ 2022 draft class is shaping up to be one of the organization’s best in recent memory and is reminiscent of the team’s breakthrough 2012 class that landed them both Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner. Rookie tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas have anchored the team’s offensive line, while Bryant has played well opposite of Woolen. Add in Sunday’s play by running back Kenneth Walker III and the Seahawks look to be sporting the league’s top rookie group.
Abraham Lucas through 5 weeks:
• 186 pass blocking snaps
• 1 sack allowedThe Seahawks rookie tackle has been making his presence felt on the line of scrimmage 👀 pic.twitter.com/j70fRSavMP
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) October 11, 2022
Following the departure of Wilson this past offseason, the Seahawks have proven a new era of football might be in full effect as the team has raced out to a 3-3 record and a tie atop the NFC West. As many forecasted a rough 2022 campaign, Woolen, along with the team’s many overlooked roster pieces, have become one of the league’s biggest surprises.
