Good morning, 12s. Here's a look at what's out there today — Monday, April 24 — about your Seattle Seahawks.

Tariq Woolen Named Biggest Steal Of 2022 Draft

Last April, the Seahawks selected University of Texas-San Antonio cornerback Tariq Woolen in the fifth round. In addition to tying for the league lead in interceptions with six, Woolen became the first Seahawks’ rookie on defense to earn a Pro Bowl selection since Legend Lofa Tatupu in 2005. In his compilation of the biggest draft steals since 2013, Bleacher Report writer Gary Davenport breaks down why Woolen was the biggest steal of the 2022 draft.

Woolen established himself early for Seattle, as the day-three selection earned a starting spot in training camp. In addition to nabbing six interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, Woolen tied for fourth league-wide in passes defensed (16). Despite not taking home the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, Woolen was named the Senior Bowl DROY earlier this month. There's no denying that Woolen was a key component in the Seahawks' 9-8 finish and playoff berth. Davenport breaks down why he’s one of the biggest steals of the last decade.

Some will no doubt wonder why Brock Purdy isn't included here. To be clear, Purdy's story is amazing—going from being "Mr. Irrelevant" in the 2022 draft to starting for the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game is a Hollywood movie waiting to happen. If he can rebound from the elbow injury suffered in that game, starts for the Niners again in 2023 and has anywhere near the success he did as a rookie, then in next year's iterations of columns like this one he may well claim this spot.

But for now, Tariq Woolen gets the nod.

There was never any doubt that Woolen had the physical tools, whether it was his lanky 6'4" frame or his blazing 4.26-second speed. But after playing collegiately at UTSA, there were doubts about how those tools would translate to the pros.

The Seahawks took a flier on Woolen in the fifth round—and hit it big. As a rookie, Woolen tied for the league lead with six interceptions. He allowed just 51.5 percent of the passes thrown in his direction to be completed and posted a fantasticpasser rating againstof 48.7.

Fellow cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner brought home Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, but former Seahawks great Richard Sherman told [ESPN's Brady Henderson] that he has been blown away by what Woolen has accomplished in a short time.

"He's been outstanding," Sherman said. "He's been freaking phenomenal."

Given the cost Seattle paid relative to the Jets (who took Gardner fourth overall), Woolen was the obvious pick among defensive players.

Woolen spent last week giving back to local youth, distributing sneakers to youth who raised over $200,000 at January's 22nd Annual United Way of Grays Harbor Black and White Gala. Not only does the second-year corner possess the skills on the field that Seattle desires, but the character and passion for community off the gridiron.

Social Post Of The Day

Tariq Woolen spreads some Seattle love to the Mariners while throwing out the first pitch.

More from Around The Web

The Seattle Times Sports Staff: Seattle Times 2023 NFL mock draft: What will Seahawks do with two picks in first round?

Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times: Lessons Seahawks learned from five best drafts as they prepare to pick at No. 5.

Adam Schultz of Sports Illustrated: Seahawks Targeting QB at No. 5? Draft 'Chatter' Revealing Clues.

Stacy Rost of Seattle Sports 710AM: Rost: Two 1st-round ‘wild cards’ to watch with the Seattle Seahawks.

Brandon Gustafson of Seattle Sports 710AM: Seahawks Draft Profile: Upside, concerns with Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson.