Seattle Seahawks are reaping benefits from the 2022 draft
Clint Prasky
|
Rounds 4 and 5a
The heavy lifting begins at this stage of the draft. This is when the Seattle Seahawks try to find hidden gems among the remaining draft prospects.
It was no secret the Seahawks needed help at cornerback. In the fourth round (109th overall), Seattle selected Cincinnati Bearcats corner, Coby Bryant. While fellow corner and teammate Sauce Gardner was a Top 5 pick, it was Bryant who won the 2022 Jim Thorpe Award winner as college football’s best CB.
Bryant began the season second on the Seahawks’ depth chart at slot corner. But a combination of injuries and improved play has him on the first team.
Early in the season, he committed several penalties. Although costly at times, they weren’t unexpected. There is usually an adjustment period for cornerbacks at this level.
The rookie has also turned in some good work and caused several turnovers already this year. Bryant has 22 total tackles, 1 sack, and an amazing 4 forced fumbles already this year.
His pass coverage still needs work, but Bryant is showing that he’s a playmaker worthy of a starting role.
Grade: B.
Coby Bryant with an assist and Tariq Woolen with a steal 🏈
How about those Seattle rookies?
(🎥: @Seahawks) | #Seahawks pic.twitter.com/iTMUrk9QUc— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) October 16, 2022
The fifth round is where the Seahawks pulled out an ace on the river. They selected cornerback Tariq Woolen from UTSA.
A converted wide receiver that didn’t switch positions until his junior year, Woolen turned heads at the combine with a 4.26 40 time (tied for sixth-best all-time). At 6’4″, 205-pounds, he has the size and length Carroll loves from his corners.
Expected to be a project in his first season, Woolen has been anything but. Through six games, he has 22 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 4 interceptions.
Not only does he have those previously mentioned four picks, but he has them in four consecutive games! Woolen has also chipped in with a blocked FG that was returned for a touchdown.
His 40.2 passer rating allowed is fourth best in the league, and Pro Football Focus ranks Woolen 22nd at his positions.
Grade A+
#Seahawks Tariq Woolen pick six. pic.twitter.com/aYwgT9uXI8
— NFL Unlimited (@NFLUnlimited) October 2, 2022