When the Seattle Seahawks selected Tariq Woolen in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, few could have predicted just how impactful the former UTSA standout would become in such a short time. Now entering his third NFL season, Woolen has firmly established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic young cornerbacks—and a cornerstone of Seattle’s defense.
In 2024, Woolen took another leap forward. While many young defensive backs suffer from the dreaded “sophomore slump,” Woolen seemed immune to the pressure, building off his breakout rookie campaign where he led the league in interceptions. He finished this past season with 4 picks, 15 pass breakups, 58 tackles, and a forced fumble—helping anchor a Seahawks secondary that often bent but rarely broke.
What makes Woolen so special? It’s a combination of elite athleticism and rapid football IQ development. Standing at 6’4” with blazing 4.26 speed, Woolen physically resembles a wide receiver—but it’s his instincts and ability to mirror top-tier receivers that have made him one of the NFL’s rising stars. His length and range allow him to disrupt passing lanes, and quarterbacks are quickly learning not to test him on deep balls.
Under new head coach Mike Macdonald, Woolen’s role is expected to grow even more. Macdonald praised his work ethic and versatility in zone and man coverage during minicamps, signaling that the Seahawks may get even more creative with their young star in 2025.
Perhaps most impressive is that Woolen was a converted wide receiver coming out of college. In just a few years, he’s evolved into a potential All-Pro candidate—further proof that Seattle’s scouting department struck gold in the late rounds.
Fans in Seattle have already embraced him, with jerseys flying off shelves and chants of “Woolen Island” echoing through Lumen Field. As the Seahawks aim to return to the playoffs in 2025, there’s little doubt that their fifth-round gem will play a massive role.
And to think… he’s just getting started.
