Former NFL QB says Tariq Woolen has proven he’s a shutdown cornerback

“He had 33 coverage snaps, he was targeted twice, and he knocked down one ball, once again showing unbelievable makeup speed,” Huard said of Woolen on Monday during an episode of “Brock and Salk.” “Dude has become a shutdown corner. …Shaquill Griffin had some nice years; Shaquill never played like this…he never looked like Tariq Woolen. Even Richard Sherman, certainly his rookie year, never looked like this. He didn’t become that totally elite, shutdown guy (as a rookie).”

Woolen, Seattle’s fifth-round pick in 2022, was voted to the Pro Bowl games last week, becoming the first UTSA alum to earn such honors. He’s tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions and two fumble recoveries, and his 14 passes defended is tied for the fourth-most in the league.

Of Seattle’s nine defenders to be targeted 10 or more times in coverage, Woolen is just one of two players to allow a completion percentage below 60. He’s allowed 31 receptions on 55 targets for 460 yards and five touchdowns. 

Among cornerbacks with 500 or more coverage snaps, Woolen has allowed the second-fewest completions (31), and the seventh-lowest completion percentage (56.1) and the seventh-fewest yards allowed (460).