The Woolen File
- 2022 Senior Bowl invitee
- 153rd pick in the 2022 NFL draft
- Leads the 2022 rookie class in interceptions
- Earned nicknames like "Riq the Freak" and "Avatar" for his historical combination of size and speed
Tariq Woolen epitomizes "practices makes perfect"
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen has made an immediate impact as a rookie. Through just his first 13 games, he racked up six interceptions, key in keeping a Seattle defense competitive in their playoff race.
Woolen's value hasn't been solely in blanketing receivers with his 6-foot-4 frame or eliminating deep threats with his 4.26 speed. It's the game-changing turnovers that have catapulted him into Defensive Rookie of the Year contention.
This development wasn't on Seahawks defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt's radar.
"Now I know why they moved your [butt] over to defense," he would joke.
Woolen "couldn't catch a cold in Alaska."
Woolen has since turned heads with hands that have picked off several quarterbacks. But how? His story begins with a tennis ball drill wide receiver Marquise Goodwin used after practice. Eventually, he made a plan with practice squad quarterback Sean Mannion to throw to him a pass after nearly every play at practice.
The results, obviously, have paid off, making Woolen a legitimate problem for opposing offenses. With his talent and work ethic, these interceptions aren't fluky flashes in the pan. They're here to stay.