NFL Combine 2023
  Feb. 27- March 6 – NFL Scouting Combine (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, In)

 The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine begins on Monday, February 27^th with team interviews, physicals, medical exams and media interviews. The athletic testing and field drills get underway on Thursday, March 2nd. The events will once again take place at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis. Television coverage can be found on the NFL Network. DraftInsiders.com will have scouts at the NFL Combine and provide scouting insights for the 2023 Draft Yearbook and exclusive emails to Full subscribers.

 2023 NFL Scouting Combine Workout Schedule

 Thursday – 3/2/23: Edge Rushers, Defensive Line and Linebackers
3 pm – 8 pm – NFL Network

Friday – 3/3/23: Cornerbacks and Safeties
3 pm – 8 pm – NFL Network

Saturday – 3/4/23: Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
1 pm – 8 pm – NFL Network

Sunday – 3/5/23: Running Backs, Offensive Tackles and Interior Offensive Line
1 pm – 7 pm – NFL Network
 
On Field Positional Drills
March 2 at 3:30 p.m.
March 3 at 4 p.m.
March 4 at 2 p.m.
March 5 at 1:30 p.m.

Senior Bowl 2023 All-Star Game

    Weigh-in Jan. 30th – Practices – Jan 31-Feb. 2 – Game Sat, Feb. 4, – Mobile, Al

The National team defeated the American team, 27-10, in the 2023 Reese’s Senior Bowl on Saturday at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama.

In the 74th annual premier all-star contest, the game capped off a week-long job interview, including a weigh-in and three days of practices, for over 100 prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft. They were mainly comprised of top senior and 4^th year junior eligible prospects who showcased their talent in front of hundreds of scouts and personnel men. Unfortunately, over 30 prospects opted out of the Senior Bowl with the majority of the players not injured.

QB Jake Haener of Fresno State won the MVP award off a fine performance directing the National team to a victory. He connected with wideout Michael Wilson of Stanford on a deep TD in a contest with limited big plays. Runner Evan Hull of Northwestern shined in the ground game, displaying both quickness and power to move the chains.

 Draft Insiders’ February Newsletter will have extensive evaluation of Senior Bowl, East-West Shrine and NFLPA All-star games and New Top 150, Three Round Mock Draft – Out this week

  Frank Coyle has been a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl

 February 28 – March 6 – NFL Scouting Combine – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, In.

Senior Bowl 2023 Highlights All-Star Postseason

*** Senior Bowl Game – Feb. 4, 2022 Mobile, Alabama ***
– Hancock Whitney Stadium – 1:30 pm CT- NFL Network –
   Weigh-in- Practices – Mon. Jan 31st thru Thurs. Feb. 4th

For Complete Senior Bowl info including updated Roster additions – Go to https://www.seniorbowl.com/
 
Draft Insiders’ February Newsletter will have extensive evaluation of Senior Bowl, East-West Shrine and NFLPA All-star games and New Top 150, Three Round Mock Draft – Out next week

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 30 years. He was a 20-year Scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl.

Pro Prospects to Watch

Frank Coyle/ Head scout
Offensive Players

QB Tyson Bagent          6-3, 213 – Shepherd
QB Clayton Tune           6-2, 216 – Houston
QB Jake Haener            6-0, 208 – Fresno State
RB Tyjae Spears           5-10, 204 – Tulane
RB Camerun Peoples    6-2, 215 – Appalachian State
RB Chase Brown           5-9, 215 – Illinois
WR Rashee Rice           6-0, 200 – South Alabama
WR Andrei Iosivas         6-3, 212 – Princeton
WR Michael Wilson       6-2, 216 – Stanford
WR Ronnie Bell             5-11, 192 – Michigan
WR Jonathan Mingo      6-1, 226 – Ole Miss
WR Trey Palmer            6-0, 193 – Nebraska
WR Michael Wilson       6-2, 216 – Stanford
WR Jayden Reed          5-11, 191 – Michigan State
TE Luke Musgrave        6-5, 255 – Oregon State
TE Josh Whyle              6-6, 260 – Cincinnati
OT Jaeylin Duncan        6-5, 298 – Maryland
OT Asim Richards         6-4, 307 – North Carolina
OT Blake Freeland         6-7, 312 – BYU
OT Ryan Hayes             6-7, 305 – Michigan
OT Dawand Jones        6-8, 375 – Ohio State
OT/OG Cody Mauch      6-5, 305 – North Dakota State
C John Schmitz             6-3, 306 – Minnesota
OG O’Cyrus Torrence    6-5, 337 – Florida

Defensive Players
DE Isaiah Foskey          6-5, 262 – Notre Dame
DE Keion White             6-5, 280 – Georgia Tech
DE Karl Brooks             6-3, 303 – Bowling Green
DT Nesta Jade Silvera   6-1, 307 – Arizona State
DT Keeanu Benton        6-3, 312 – Wisconsin
DT Jerrod Clark             6- 3, 343 – Coastal Carolina
LB Daiyan Henley          6-1, 230 – Washington State
LB Ivan Pace Jr.            5-10, 231 – Cincinnati
LB DJ Johnson             6-4, 260 – Oregon
LB Eku Leota                6-3, 255 – Auburn
LB Will McDonald IV      6-4, 241 – Iowa State
CB Kyu Blu Kelly           6-0, 193 – Stanford
CB Darius Rush             6-2, 196 – South Carolina
CB Riley Moss              6-1, 192 – Iowa
CB Tyrique Stevenson   6-0, 204 – Miami
CB Julius Brents            6-3, 202 – Kansas State
S Sydney Brown            5-10, 213 – Illinois
S Demarco Hellmas       6-1, 213 – Alabama
S Jammie Robinson      5-11, 194 – Florida State
S Daniel Scott               6-1, 210 – California
S JL Skinner                  6-4, 211 – Boise State

NFL Salary Cap 2023 Sets New Record
New Franchise and Transitional Tag Figures

Frank Coyle/ Publisher

NFL announced the 2023 salary cap will be a record $224.8 million per club. That’s an increase of 8% from the $208.2 million in 2022.

Prior years were $182.5M in 2021 (Covid adjustment), 198.2M in 2020 and $188.2M in 2019.

NFL teams have until 4 pm est on March 15th to get under the salary cap before the free agency period officially opens.

The Chicago Bears who hold the #1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, also have the most cap space in the league. The Bears are currently just under $91M under the cap, while Atlanta ($56.4M), the NY Giants ($44.2M) and Cincinnati ($43.7M) the next clubs in order.

Conversely, 14 teams are over the cap and will have either restructure or release player (s) prior the March 15^th deadline. Another 4 clubs have less than $10M available in cap space currently and will have work to do to be active teams in the Free agent market.

New Orleans at $60.4M and Tampa Bay $55M over the cap have monumental roster restructuring ahead with massive player movement to just get under the new salary cap.

Overthecap.com  – Salary cap figures

2023 Base Salary Cap: $224,800,000

Team                Cap Space      
Bears               $90,893,199
Falcons             $56,414,855
Giants               $44,277,461
Bengals            $43,719,058
Texans              $39,289,053
Patriots             $32,566,047
Seahawks         $31,040,644
Ravens             $26,867,479
Raiders             $20,130,338
49ers                $16,398,516
Cardinals          $14,467,205
Chiefs               $13,997,884
Lions                $13,825,618
Colts                $13,081,832
Broncos            $9,206,724
Commanders    $6,649,246
Eagles              $4,235,666
Steelers            $1,028,747
Jets                  ($2,793,498)
Cowboys          ($7,183,002)
Panthers           ($8,938,728)
Rams                ($14,194,570)
Browns             ($14,645,606)
Dolphins           ($16,453,222)
Packers            ($16,483,743)
Bills                  ($19,612,436)
Chargers           ($20,381,524)
Jaguars             ($22,213,686)
Vikings             ($23,441,507)
Titans               ($23,623,634)
Buccaneers       ($55,033,921)
Saints               ($60,476,996)
 
The NFL confirmed the franchise and transition tag numbers for the upcoming year.

Clubs get two franchise tags and one transitional tags each year. The exclusive franchise tag limits the player to only his current team. The standard franchise tag allows a player to negotiate with all teams and sign an offer sheet. If his current team does not match the offer, the new team gives up two 1st-round picks as compensation. The transition tag provides a player’s original team the right to match any offer sheet. There is no compensation if the team does not match.

2023 Franchise/Transition tag figures
Position                       Franchise #                            
Quarterback:               $32.42M
Running back:             $10.1M
Wide receiver:             $19.74M
Tight end:                    $11.36M
Offensive linemen:      $18.24M
Defensive end:            $19.73M
Defensive tackle:         $18.94M
Linebacker:                 $20.93M
Cornerback:                 $18.14M
Safety:                            $14.46M
Kicker/punter:              $5.39M
 
Transition #
Quarterback:               $29.5M
Running back:             $8.43M
Wide receiver:            $17.99M
Tight end:                     $9.72M
Offensive linemen:   $16.66M
Defensive end:            $17.45M
Defensive tackle:       $16.1M
Linebacker:                 $17.48M
Cornerback:               $15.79M
Safety:                          $11.87M
Kicker/punter:           $4.87M

NFLPA 2023 Bowl

Eddie George & Jeff Fisher Named Head Coaches For 2023 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl

Deep Coaching Staffs Features Multiple Former Pro Bowl Performers

The 2023 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl is January 28^th on NFL Network at 6 pm est.

After teaming up for eight successful seasons as player and coach with the Tennessee Titans/Houston Oilers, Eddie George, and Jeff Fisher will be pitted against one another as head coaches for the 2023 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

The 11th annual installment of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will take place on January 28 at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium in California and air live on NFL Network at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. George will lead the National Team, while Fisher returns for a second year in a row to lead the American Team.

Between them, George and Fisher boast 25 years of coaching experience, 14 seasons as NFL players, a Super Bowl ring, and two other Super Bowl appearances, ensuring that there will be plenty of wisdom to go around for the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl participants.

http://collegiate.nflpa.com/2023/01/21/2023-nflpa-collegiate-bowl-roster-released/

Here are the full coaching staffs for the American and National teams:

National Team

Head Coach: Eddie George
Offensive Coordinator: Mark Frederick
Defensive Coordinator: Joe Bowden
Quarterbacks Coach: Seneca Wallace
Running Backs Coach: Robert Edwards
Wide Receivers Coach: Andre Rison
Wide Receivers Coach: Chad Lucas
Tight Ends Coach: Jason Dunn
Offensive Line Coach: Jackie Slater
Offensive Line Coach: Cameron Clark
Defensive Line Coach: Cliff Matthews
Defensive Line Coach: Kendall Simmons
Linebackers Coach: Keith Bulluck
Defensive Backs Coach: Benny Sapp
Defensive Backs Coach: Richard McNutt
Special Teams Coach: Keith Burns
Specialist/Assistant: Nick Novak
Offensive Coaching Intern: Brandon Jacobs
Defensive Coaching Intern: Kevin Dockery
Active Player Intern: Chris Rowland
Active Player Intern: Robert Spillane
GA: Gunner Daniel

American Team

Head Coach: Jeff Fisher
Offensive Coordinator: Matt Leone
Defensive Coordinator: Tim Hauck
Quarterbacks Coach: Rod Rutherford
Running Backs Coach: Carey Davis
Wide Receivers Coach: Derrick Alexander
Wide Receivers Coach: Chris Chambers
Tight Ends Coach: Brandon Manumaleuna
Offensive Line Coach: Rich Seubert
Offensive Line Coach: Lance Zeno
Defensive Line Coach: Brian Price
Defensive Line Coach: Domata Peko
Linebackers Coach: Reggie Givens
Defensive Backs Coach: Bobby Sippio
Defensive Backs Coach: Arturo Freeman
Special Teams Coach: Joshua Cribbs
Specialist/Assistant: Nick Novak
Offensive Coaching Intern: Geremy Davis
Defensive Coaching Intern: Marvin Bohannon
Active Player Intern: Tyler Lockett
GA: Brandon Bryant
GA (Ops): Zac Sias
 

Senior Bowl Announces 2023 Coaching Staffs
New ‘Coach Up’ Format Elevates Experience

Bears Offensive Coordinator Getsy and Raiders Defensive Coordinator Graham to Coach Senior Bowl Squads
Coaches from teams selecting Nos. 1 and 7 in 2023 NFL Draft to lead teams for top pre-draft All-Star event.

The Reese’s Senior Bowl today announced that Chicago Bears Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy (American team) and Las Vegas Raiders Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham (National team) will serve as head coaches for the 74th annual Reese’s Senior Bowl to be played on Saturday February 4, 2023, at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama.  All three days of practice will be televised on both NFL Network and ESPN and the game itself will be aired live on the NFL Network at 1:30 CT.  The Bears have the top overall pick, and the Raiders own the No. 7 selection in the 2023 NFL draft.

Senior Bowl 2023 Invitations – https://www.seniorbowl.com/accepted-invites/

This year marks the first time in the Senior Bowl’s rich history that two full staffs from NFL clubs will not be coaching the game. Under a new arrangement to promote professional development, NFL Football Operations has implemented a “coach up” format where coordinators and assistant coaches are placed into elevated or different roles from the ones they currently hold with their respective clubs.  Head coaches and general managers from all non-playoff teams had the opportunity to nominate assistant coaches and those candidates were then selected by a group comprised of league office executives, representatives from the General Managers Advisory Committee, and Senior Bowl leadership.  In total, at least one coach from all 16 teams that submitted nominations were chosen and six clubs had multiple coaches appointed to this year’s American and National rosters (New Orleans Saints 4, Washington Commanders 4, Chicago Bears 4, Las Vegas Raiders 3, Cleveland Browns 2, and Pittsburgh Steelers 2).

In addition to the head coach appointees, the following individuals were selected as coordinators for the American and National squads:

American
Offensive Coordinator – Atlanta Falcons Quarterbacks Coach Charles London
Defensive Coordinator – New England Patriots Defensive Line Coach DeMarcus Covington

National
Offensive Coordinator – New Orleans Saints QB Coach/Pass Game Coordinator Ronald Curry
Defensive Coordinator – Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Backs Coach Grady Brown

The Reese’s Senior Bowl is coming off consecutive record-breaking drafts with 106 players selected each of the past two years, which has represented over 40 percent of the entire past two draft classes. Over the past four drafts (2019-2022), 87.2% of the players wound up making an active 53-man NFL roster at some point during their rookie season. Those four rosters have included many of the NFL’s brightest young stars, such as: QB Justin Herbert (Chargers), QB Daniel Jones (Giants), QB Mac Jones (Patriots), DS Jeremy Chinn (Panthers), WR Brandon Aiyuk (49ers), QB Jalen Hurts (Eagles), DB Kyle Dugger (Patriots), WR Terry McLaurin (Commanders), OL Chris Lindstrom (Falcons), WR Deebo Samuel (49ers), OL Elgton Jenkins (Packers), RB Tony Pollard (Cowboys), DL Montez Sweat (Commanders), LB Logan Wilson (Bengals), RB Najee Harris (Steelers), RB Rhamondre Stevenson (Patriots), WR Devonta Smith (Eagles), OL Creed Humphrey (Chiefs), RB Dameon Pierce (Texans), WR Christian Watson, OL Zion Johnson (Chargers), QB Kenny Pickett (Steelers), DS Jalen Pitre (Texans), and CB Tariq Woolen (Seahawks).

Statement from Reese’s Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy:
“Everyone at the Senior Bowl is excited about this new coaching format since it connects our players to half the league’s teams behind the scenes during the week.  Both Luke Getsy and Patrick Graham have tremendous reputations around the league and the young men in our game will undoubtedly leave Mobile as better football players after spending the week with these excellent staffs.”
 
Statement from Chicago Bears Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy:
“I am extremely honored to be selected as the head coach for the American Team in the 74th Senior Bowl.  It is a privilege to be able to work alongside my peers from around the league and to be able to lead this special group of men that are the future of the NFL.  Thank you to everyone at the Senior Bowl for this awesome opportunity and I look forward to a great week in Mobile.”

Statement from Las Vegas Raiders Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham:
“It is a true honor to be selected as head coach of the National Team for the Senior Bowl.  I look forward to meeting and working with these talented young players and getting to know them on an individual and collective basis during Senior Bowl festivities.  To be able to evaluate and cultivate relationships with these young men as they begin their professional journeys is an invaluable experience and I sincerely thank Jim Nagy and the Senior Bowl for this tremendous opportunity”.
 

NFL Postseason Quarterback Win/Loss Records

Frank Coyle/ NFL Scout

Listed below are the NFL Postseason Starting Quarterback Win/Loss Records for active NFL players that have started at least one game at quarterback.

Only Postseason games are included in each player’s totals.

  Current NFL starting QBs making their first playoff games this postseason – Justin Herbert, Trevor Lawrence, Daniel Jones, Geno Smith, Brock Purdy and Tyler Hundley.  

*Won Super Bowl game (s) – not included in statistics

                                                               All Games/    Home Games/ Away Games/

Player/                         GS                    W -L-T    Pct     W- L-T      W-L-T

* Tom Brady                 47                    35-12-0 .745     24-8-0   11-4-0

* Aaron Rodgers          21                    11-10-0 .524    6-4-0    5-6-0

* Joe Flacco                 15                    10-5-0   .667      2-0-0     8-5-0

* Russell Wilson          16                     9-7-0     .562      5-2-0     4-5-0

* Patrick Mahomes       11                    8-3-0     .727      8-2-0     0-1-0

* Nick Foles                 6                      4-2-0    .667      2-1-0     2-1-0 

* Jimmy Garoppolo      6                      4-2-0    .667      2-0-0     2-2-0

* Matthew Stafford       7                      4-3-0    .571      2-0-0     2-3-0

Matt Ryan                    10                     4-6-0    .400      3-3-0    1-3-0

Joe Burrow                  4                      3-1-0     .750      1-1-0     2-0-0

Josh Allen                   6                      3-3-0    .500      3-0-0     0-3-0

Ryan Tannehill             5                      2-3-0     .400      0-2-0    2-1-0

Jared Goff                    5                       2-3-0     .400      1-2-0     1-1-0

Baker Mayfield             2                      1-1-0    .500      0-0-0     1-1-0

Case Keenum              2                       1-1-0     .500      1-0- 0    0-1-0

Marcus Mariota            2                       1-1-0     .500      0-0-0     1-1-0

Deshaun Watson         3                      1-2-0     .333      1-1-0     0-1-0

Kirk Cousins                3                       1-2-0     .333      0-1-0    1-1-0

Lamar Jackson            4                      1-3-0     .250      0-2-0     1-1-0

Dak Prescott                4                      1-3-0     .250      1-2-0    0-1-0

Tyrod Taylor                1                      0-1-0    .000     0-0-0     0-1-0

Mac Jones                   1                      0-1-0     .000     0-0-0    0-1-0

Kyler Murray                1                      0-1-0     .000      0-0-0    0-1-0

Jalen Hurts                  1                      0-1-0     .000    0-0-0     0-1-0

Taylor Heinicke            1                       0-1-0    .000      0-1-0     0-0-0

Teddy Bridgewater      1                      0-1-0     .000      0-1-0    0-0-0

Carson Wentz              1                      0-1-0    .000      0-1-0     0-0-0

Derek Carr                   1                      0-1-0     .000      0-0-0    0-1-0

Mitchell Trubisky         2                      0-2-0    .000      0-1-0     0-1-0

Andy Dalton                 4                      0-4-0     .000      0-1-0    0-3-0

All-Star Game Schedule Begins This Weekend

The upcoming postseason All-Star season is here with the schedule posted below. We will have scouts at these events attending – weigh-ins, practices, interviews and games. These games will be the final chance to see prospects in game action prior to the NFL Combine and vital Pro day workouts. We will have extensive coverage on web page at  www.draftinsiders.com along with player evaluation in our Feb. Newsletter and Yearbook 2023. 

 All-Star Game Schedule – January- February 2023      

January 8 – CGS Small School Invitational – Fort Worth, Texas
1/8 – Podyum Bowl – Miami, Florida
1/11 – College Gridiron Showcase – Fort Worth, Texas
 
1/14 – Hula Bowl – Orlando, Florida – CBSSN
1/21 – Tropical Bowl – Orlando, Florida
1/28 – NFLPA Collegiate Bowl – Pasadena, Ca – NFLN
 
2/2 – East-West Shrine Bowl – Las Vegas, Nv – NFLN
2/4 *** Senior Bowl Game – Feb. 4, 2023 Mobile, Alabama ***
– Hancock Whitney Stadium – 1:30 pm CT- NFL Network –
                             Weigh-in- Practices – Monday Jan 30th thru Thursday Feb. 3rd

For Complete Senior Bowl info including updated Roster acceptances
Go to https://www.seniorbowl.com/
 
February 28 -March 6 – NFL Scouting Combine (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN)

 Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 30 years. He was a 20-year Scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl.

Rookie Dameon Pierce Looks to Top the 1000 yard Mark

Dameon Pierce – Draft Insiders’ Yearbook Scouting Report – March 2022

Three Rookie Runners Push for 1000-yard Campaigns in 2022 Season Finale

Three rookie running backs this season, Dameon Pierce, Kenneth Walker and Tyler Allgeier all have a chance to earn the 1000 yard                         USA Today Photo
rushing mark this season with a strong closing game.

Pierce has had an outstanding rookie campaign with 220 carries for 939 yards, a 4.27 yard average and 4TDs. He also adds 30 receptions for 165 yards and 1 TD entering his final game at Indianapolis. It is even more amazing that he has accomplished this with the team with the worst record in the league at this point of the season. He was one of the few shining performers for the Texans who once again with select in the top five draft choices and possibly the first overall selection with a loss at Indianapolis this Sunday.

Pierce’s scouting report from March 2022 is below and listed as one of our most underrated offensive players in the draft class.

Walker has been instrumental in the Seahawks run for the playoffs this season, becoming their feature back with game breaking speed to change games. He enters his final contest with 936 yards on 199 carries for a 4.7 yard average and 7 TDs. He faces the Rams this week at home, hoping to pass the 1000 yard. Allgeier has 900 yards on 186 carries for a 4.8 yard average and 3 TDs. He faces the Bucs at home this week and it will take a 100 yard performance to hit the coveted mark.

The last time three rookie running backs topped the 1000-yard rushing mark was the NFL 2008 season. That year runners, Matt Forte, Chris Johnson and Steve Slaton all topped the 1200-yard rushing mark.

Dameon Pierce – Draft Insiders’ Scouting Report – March 2022

Dameon Pierce #27 – 5-9, 220                Florida – Sp. 4.60
NFL Comparison: Mark Ingram                     Rating 72

Short compact two-year starter has been a consistent performer in the Gators’ pro-style offense. Low based back with good initial quickness, the speed to hit a hole and get outside. Fine vision and knows how to read and follow his blocks with sound decision making. Quickness to jump cut and string a few moves together. Good lower body power to break tackles with the speed through the hole to make plays and move the pile. Rarely goes down at first contact. Finishes with good body lean to make extra yardage. Displays reliable hands as a receiver and improved throughout his career. Runs the route tree with good patterns and initial coverage reads. Effective on screen passes and moves decisively up field after securing the catch. Needs to find soft spots in zones better and become a primary outlet receiver. Maxed out frame and probably at a good weight to run inside. Adept at seeing even a small crease and slipping through it quickly. Capable of handling a lot of touches. Size may be a liability when it comes to pass protection in the NFL, though definitely tough enough to make the step up and face a backer. At the NFL Combine, he came in at under 5’10” and 218 lbs. Ran a 4.59 time and did 21 reps. Added a 34.5” VL and a 9’11” BJ. Marginal career production. Shows adequate top end speed with the quick acceleration to get to the 2nd level with the creativity to hit openings and running lanes. As a receiver, shows developing skills to press in time for 3rd down role. Tough blocker with makeup to face up with backers after further technique work. Probably top 150–200 prospect and capable of being a quality starter, 1A or 3rd down back. Obscure well rounded prospect with the talent to fill a key, though limited role early in an offense. Talent to become solid surprise. Honest runner whose best football is ahead of him and a bargain on the 3rd day of the process.

Seahawks’ Rookie Tariq Woolen

Cornerback Tariq Woolen – NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook – Scouting Report
  Frank Coyle / Head scout – March, 2022

     Photo – Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images

 Here is our Scouting Report of defender Tariq Woolen from last spring when we ranked him as the #7 cornerback in the class and projected him to be a 2nd-3rd round pick on talent and value. Incredibly, he fell to the Seattle in the 5th round, the 153rd overall selection. He has been one of the premier defenders in this rookie class which has featured several outstanding first year starters like Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner and Derek Stingley.

 After 14 games this season, Woolen has registered 51 tackles with 39 of them solo stops along with 6 interceptions and 13 pass breakups with one returned for a TD. He fits the Seahawks tradition and mold for long athletic cover men and has been arguably the best value of the entire NFL Draft 2022. He has started since training camp and has established himself as a fixture in the Seahawks secondary.

         Tariq Woolen – NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook – Scouting Report – March, 2022

 Tariq Woolen #20 – 6-4, 205 Texas-San Antonio – Sp. 4.25                          
             NFL Comparison: Greedy Williams                 Rating 85

Long athlete made a successful conversion to cornerback after starting his career as a wide receiver. Made incredible progress especially over his final season, showing natural skills and the tough demeanor to be a top flight pro. Freakish prototypical skill set for the position and really responded to coaching on the basics of the corner spot.  Strong athletic frame with very good movement skills for the position. Over his short career, he gained experience in several techniques especially man situations and has made quick improvement raising his LOD. Rare combination of length, speed, fluidity and physicality to be a top pro corner with further development. Shows outstanding length and leaping skills combined with blazing speed gives him the traits of a top flight shutdown cover man. Currently he is still developing on basics and needs work on his pedal which can be too high, in addition to a hesitation in his reads which allows separation early on the route. Reliable open-field tackling ability with sound technique and hand use to get off blockers. Good at the line when coming up to take on blockers and finish. Willing to stick his nose in the middle of the action and fights off blocks to aggressively make tackles. Able to effectively handle press coverage and adept at bump-and-run using his strong hands to deliver a powerful punch. Uses his length and strength to reroute receivers off the jam. Opens his hips smoothly with the ability to retain fine speed and tight coverage. Shows the ability to turn, run and blanket his man while maintaining good speed down the field. Displays the good vision, balance, timing and ball skills to break up passes. Finished with 2 career interceptions and 9 PBUs. Developing instincts and awareness to adjust to plays outside his zone. Needs to be more decisive in his initial reads and learn to trust his eyes. At times, he gets too physical and can grab receivers and needs to be more disciplined. Usually stays on top of deep routes, though can give up too much separation at times vs top route runners through the intermediate zones. Most effective when asked to play man coverage, though grades out high in zones. Needs work on route recognition to be NFL ready. Faced average talent and graded out highly, but must prove ready for NFL air attacks. Displays a short memory and the tough mentality the position demands. In 2021, he started 9 games and made 25 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 pick and 5 PBU, earning first team CUSA honors. Over his two seasons at corner, he started 20 games and made 60 tackles, 2 picks, 2 sacks and 9 PBUs. At the NFL Combine, he came in at over 6’4” and 205 lbs. with 33 5/8” arms and 9 1/8” hands. Ran a blazing 4.26 time and added a 42” vertical leap. Performed fairly well in big game situations, though struggled early in 2021 when he was beat for a few TDs when looking into the backfield. With more technique development and consistency, has the talent to be among the class’s best corners. Though still raw in basics, he is a talented prospect who is making real strides at the position. At the Senior Bowl, made progress in his pedal and reads, areas which must improve to get reps in the NFL. Similar to Greedy Williams/Jimmy Smith in natural skills, AA, development and hitting power. Similar not only in size but raw skill set, which needs time and refinement. Fast riser off a quick learning curve, though still raw and a work in progress on finer points of coverage. Hitter with ability to intimidate receivers and durable at a demanding position. Top 60 pick with incredible ceiling.
Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round