Tariq Woolen Scouting Report: 2022 NFL Draft Prospect Report

 

Cornerback, UTSA, # 3

 

Tariq Woolen Scouting Report Measurements

6’ 4” / 205 lbs

40 time: 4.26

 

Tariq Woolen NFL Draft Profile

Tariq Woolen is the second player I have highlighted recently who made a late position change. Woolen stands 6’4” and originally played wide receiver when he came to UTSA. In 2018-2019, the NFL Draft hopeful recorded a combined 24 catches for 264 yards and a score. Unlike most people who make a position change, Woolen had to make the change mid season.

Woolen was always an athlete and that shows on his film. In high school, he was a basketball, football, and track star for Arlington Heights in Fort Worth, Texas. He garnered a 3 star grade from 247Sports and had offers from local schools like Houston and Baylor, but chose the Roadrunners of UTSA.

In 2020 and 2021 he would start 18 games for the Roadrunner’s defense. While playing outside corner he had 63 tackles and 2 INT’s alnog with 9 PBU’s. He has great physical gifts, but lacks experience at the position. Only time will tell how good Tariq Woolen can be as a true cornerback.

 

Tariq Woolen Strengths

 

Freak

 

Woolen was featured on The Atheltic’s Bruce Feldman’s freak list in August of 2021. Woolen brings size, speed, and strength to the field in a ridiculous combination. He has been recorded running as fast as 4.34 in the 40 and at the senior bowl was clocked running over 22 miles per hour. His speed and quick twitch ability is evident on tape. He has length that will have scouts salivating as well. His wingspan has been measured at 79”, and 33 1/2” for his arm measurement.

The Seattle Seahawks preached the importance of long arms when they established the legion of boom and drafted both Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner in large part due to their long arms. Sherman however only has 32” arms. I have no information on his overall strength numbers yet. However, he looks plenty strong to knock balls away from wide receivers and has ample strength to take down ball carriers. He even throws some lumber into a hit now and then.

Woolen also utilizes his length when playing the ball. He can reach around receivers and make plays on balls others can’t. On top of that, his height and reach will make him an ideal defender to guard players like Mike Williams and Mike Evans on jump balls in the end zone.

 

Potential, Potential, Potential

Tariq Woolen may not be cornerback 1 taken in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, with a good coaching staff the sky is the limit for this young man. Having only 2 seasons under his belt he has room for growth. It is evident in tape that he still is learning, but it’s also evident he has no physical limitations. He is 22 years old and can still develop into a great NFL player. Coaches and teams that like high upside will have his name circled on their draft boards. I just pray he ends up with a good coaching staff. In a few years we may look back and say “Why wasn’t he drafted sooner?”

 

Vision

 

Maybe it’s his experience as a receiver that helps him. Considering he hasn’t been playing defense for long one wouldn’t expect him to have the vision and field awareness he possesses. He uses both of these characteristics well to read and react. He comes up quickly in the short passing game to bring the receiver down. Woolen incorporates his field awareness with his length to take away large areas of the field when in zone coverage. I dare a quarterback to try to slip a ball over the top of this corner. Woolen should show out and help himself even more during the NFL Combine this weekend.

 

Tariq Woolen Weaknesses

 

Experience

Honestly, from a physical standpoint Woolen has all the tools and then some. He basically just lacks experience playing defense and needs time and good coaching. With a good NFL coaching staff, and a year or two to develop, he has the ability to become an elite outside corner in the NFL. Even more enticing, he’s one a team may not have to pay a premium for on Draft Day in April.

 

Draft Stock

As an NFL prospect Woolen offers intrigue on a level all of his own in the 2022 Draft. His combination of size, speed, and strength along with his lack of experience may be perplexing to some. I expect a team to see the diamond in the rough and reach for him a bit early. Even in a draft class that is deep at the cornerback position. Woolen should be a day 2 pick and with a solid combine may be taken early day 2.

 

Final Thoughts on Tariq Woolen Scouting Report

I have to start by saying I’m the type of scout who likes to draft production and proven players over potential. However, Woolen is the exception for me. The lack of holes in his game and his great field vision lead me to believe he will continue to progress. Having a 6’ 4” corner who may run a sub 4.3 40 time would be game changing for any defense. The Texas native belongs in the NFL on Sundays and I can’t wait to watch him grow as a player. As a Colts fan I’d love to see him in blue and white as I think he’d be a great fit in their scheme. His length will be coveted by teams like Indy and Seattle.

 

Tariq Woolen Player Comparison

When writing the Tariq Woolen scouting report a few different players kept climbing into the back of my mind. Obviously Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner due to their size. Neither of them is even close to the athlete Woolen is though. Ahkello Witherspoon, here is what PFF said about him before he was drafted, may be the closest physical comp, but he too lacks the elite athleticism of Woolen. So imagine a much faster more explosive version of Sherman.

Tariq Woolen Scouting Report Analyst-Ken Noble.