Good morning, 12s. Here's a look at what's out there today — Wednesday, February 8 — about your Seattle Seahawks.
Tariq Woolen Goes Third Overall In ESPN 2022 Redraft
With the 2022 season in the rear view, the Seahawks look to make the most of the offseason in hopes to create a serious playoff contender. NFL Nation reporters reflect on a phenomenal Seattle draft class, as rookie cornerback Tariq Woolen and tackle Abraham Lucas move up in ESPN’s 2022 two-round redraft.
On Thursday, the 12th annual ‘NFL Honors’ Awards ceremony will take place at the Symphony Hall in Phoenix live on NFL Network and NBC at 6pm PT. Woolen will be amongst the crowd of players hoping to hear their name called for various awards under several categories. Woolen has become a name-to-know, going from a Day 3 selection to a finalist for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award. The Seahawks fifth-round selection out of the University of Texas-San Antonio tied for a league-leading six interceptions, earning a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie. In the midst of setting a franchise-record for interceptions in a season, Woolen has created several magical plays throughout the year in aiding Seattle to a playoff berth.
DJ Bien-Aime of NFL Nation breaks down Woolen's phenomenal year, and why the Texans should've selected him third overall if the hands of time could go back.
Original pick: Derek Stingley Jr, CB
New pick: Tariq Woolen, CB
Woolen was a fifth-round steal for the Seahawks, as he tied for the league lead in interceptions (six), had the fourth-most passes defended (16) and made the Pro Bowl roster. Compare that to Stingley, who had one interception and five passes defended. The 6-foot-4 Woolen has outstanding physical traits -- he ran a 4.26-second 40-yard dash at the combine -- and is fluid in and out of his backpedal, which makes it hard to attack him deep. -- DJ Bien-Aime
At the No.9 pick in last year's draft, Seattle selected Mississippi State tackle Charles Cross, who started all-17 games for Seattle at left tackle. Seahawks NFL Nation reporter Brady Henderson breaks down why Seattle would still select Cross with the ninth pick.
9. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)
Original pick: Charles Cross, OT
New pick: Charles Cross, OT
There's no need to overthink this one. Cross had a strong debut season. He finished third among rookie tackles in pass block win rate (88.5%) -- well ahead of Ikem Ekwonu (85.8%) and Evan Neal (80.9%), who went ahead of him in the actual draft. Seattle had Cross rated higher than Neal on its board anyway. -- Brady Henderson
With the No.72 overall selection in last April's draft, Seattle selected Washington State tackle Abraham Lucas. Starting 16 games, Lucas joined Cross as the first pair of rookie tackles to start the first 9 games of a season for a team since 1982. The first-year right tackle was an anchor for an offense that saw quarterback Geno Smith throw for over 4200 yards and rookie running back Kenneth Walker III rush for over 1000 on the ground. NFL Nation writer Nick Wagoner breaks down Lucas' rise to the No. 61 pick in ESPN's redraft.
Original pick: Drake Jackson, OLB
New pick: Abraham Lucas, OT
The Niners still have high hopes for Jackson, who has flashed promise as a pass-rusher, but the chance to nab Lucas here is too good to pass up. He started 16 games for the Seahawks and ranked 17th among all offensive tackles in pass block win rate (91.9%). With Mike McGlinchey set to become a free agent who might have priced himself out of the Niners' range, a solid tackle on a rookie contract would be nice to have in the pipeline, much like San Francisco did with guard Aaron Banks in 2021. -- Nick Wagoner
The redraft also has outside linebacker Boye Mafe moving up a bit, going No. 38 to the Jets instead of 41st overall to the Seahawks.
The good news for Seattle fans is this mock isn't real—Woolen, Lucas and Mafe aren't going anywhere—although the praise for the rookie class is warranted and welcomed. It should also serve as hope heading into an offseason where Seattle looks to build on its 9-8 2022 campaign that ended in an NFC Wild Card loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Social Post Of The Day
Chris Brockman of the Rich Eisen Show apologizes to Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith for doubting him in 2022.
More from Around The Web
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times: Seahawks position overview: Jamal Adams’ return could solidify safety spot.
Matt Calkins of the Seattle Times: Seattle sports rankings: Which team has the brightest outlook? | Matt Calkins.
Brandon Gustafson of Seattle Sports 710AM: Huard: Where Seahawks QB Geno Smith can grow the most in 2023.
Zach Dimmitt of Sports Illustrated: Seahawks' Geno Smith, NFC West Rivals Share Thoughts on New Pro Bowl Format.
Connor Zimmerlee of Sports Illustrated: Seahawks Draft Pair of Elite Defenders in Latest NFL Mock.
Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith, FS Quandre Diggs and CB Tariq Woolen played in the 2023 Pro Bowl Flag Football Game in Las Vegas.
