Seahawks CB Tariq Woolen: Primed for Bigger Breakout Next Season?

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen had a superb rookie season, but can he do even better next season?

The Seattle Seahawks surprised a lot of teams last year, and part of that was the play of rookie cornerback Tariq Woolen. 

As part of a Seahawks defense that many didn't believe in last season, Woolen was superb in a unit that gave up on average 23.6 points per game (ranked 25th) as he nearly grabbed Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

As Woolen enters his second season, CBS Sports has listed the cornerback as a potential breakout player next season.

"Woolen had a case for Defensive Rookie of the Year last season, already earning a Pro Bowl berth after a standout first season in the NFL," CBS Sports writes. "Tied for the league lead with six interceptions, Woolen finished with 63 tackles, three fumble recoveries, along with a defensive touchdown.

​"Opposing quarterbacks had just a 46.1 passer rating targeting Woolen, the sixth-lowest rate in the NFL. With Devon Witherspoon next to Woolen in 2023, a huge Year 2 could be in store."

While calling Woolen a "breakout candidate" after his great rookie campaign could've been considered his true breakout, it's still possible for the second-year corner to take his game up a level.

As CBS Sports mentions, the addition of Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon could prove decisive in Woolen rubber-stamping his credentials on the NFL next season.  Having two ball-hawking cornerbacks means that quarterbacks have to throw somewhere, and that could play right into Woolen's wheelhouse.

With the Seahawks also adding in veteran linebacker Devin Bush and bringing back Bobby Wagner, the defense is primed for improvement, with Woolen potentially leading the charge.

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