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Tariq Woolen NFL Draft Profile
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Tariq Woolen Scouting ReportWoolen is a rare physical specimen in that regard. But that’s not even the most exciting element of his scouting report. From that frame, he has a reported 4.34 laser-timed 40-yard dash and an 11’5″ broad jump. Those are eye-watering testing numbers for a player of his size. The word “freak” shouldn’t be bandied around freely when describing athletes, but that is exactly what Woolen is. Woolen demonstrates some physicality and technical prowess at the point of attack. In press coverage, he uses his length to jab at the point of the snap and demonstrates good all-around hand usage in this phase. His footwork has also improved, allowing him to mirror receivers and not give up easy separation on release. He routinely uses his long arm to feel for the receiver throughout the route. Woolen’s catch point, he uses his size and frame to outmuscle his opponent. Here, his length also comes into play, as he is able to get his arm around and make a play on the ball. Woolen has also shown a propensity to use his physicality against the run, laying a heavy hit when meeting his opponent with clear contact. Woolen has also showcased some versatility. He has been aligned as an outside cornerback on both sides of the formation. Additionally, he’s seen some reps in the slot, and he’s even been aligned as a single-high safety. With his size and athletic profile, there is potential that Woolen could transition to that latter role at the next level. |
Areas for ImprovementWoolen needs to ensure he gets his head around in coverage. Woolen does a good job of using his length to feel for the receiver, but he rarely gets his head back around to get eyes on the quarterback. As a result, he leaves plays on the field. This may also result in penalties, given his physicality at the catch point. Woolen is a former wide receiver, there were also several opportunities for interceptions on tape that simply slipped through his fingers. One of the biggest concerns, rightly or wrongly, from some analysts is his lack of college production. A more concentrated approach at the catch point could eliminate those concerns. While Woolen showcases physicality against the run, clear improvements are needed as a tackler. There are too many examples on film of him whiffing on tackles, thanks to either an inability to wrap up or because he took the wrong angle.
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Tariq Woolen Career at SchoolDespite being one of the showcase pieces of the 2017 UTSA recruiting class, Woolen didn’t see the field as a freshman. While maintaining a redshirt year, he did earn a place on the Conference USA honor roll. After a year on the sidelines, he was ready to hit the field as a redshirt freshman in 2018. Woolen made it worth the wait for Roadrunners fans. In his debut against Arizona State, he snagged 3 catches for 51 yards. The tall, speedy pass catcher had multiple games with more than 1 reception during the 2018 season. He ended the year on a high with his first career touchdown, a 15-yard grab against North Texas. Woolen would kick on as a redshirt sophomore in 2019. Once again, he had several games with multiple catches. However, in total, he snagged just 9 catches for 105 yards at 11.7 yards per catch. Furthermore, he failed to reel in a touchdown. Towards the end of the year, he made a switch to cornerback that would alter the course of his career. Woolen’s move to cornerback became permanent in 2020. In the season opener against Texas State, he showcased his physical demeanor at the position with 5 tackles and a sack. In a game against Stephen F. Austin, where he suffered a hairline fracture in his forearm, he tallied 4 pass breakups. Woolen snagged his first career interception against Middle Tennessee State. Despite playing with a cast, he tallied 35 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 interception in seven starts, finishing the year with 6 tackles against Louisiana. Woolen carried the momentum from UTSA’s bowl game performance into his redshirt senior season. He logged a pass breakup in each of the first three games of the season, including against a Power Five opponent in Illinois. He secured a crucial INT against UNLV that continued the Roadrunners’ winning record in a historic season for the program. Although he missed time with a hand injury, Woolen returned to face Western Kentucky, logging 2 pass breakups as UTSA won their first Conference USA Championship. From Texas high school wide receiver to a conference-winning cornerback, it’s been quite the journey for Woolen. Nevertheless, it isn’t over yet. His combination of incredible athletic ability and untapped defensive back potential earned him an invite to the 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl. Woolen will be one of the most hotly anticipated participants, and he’s set to improve his 2022 NFL Draft stock at the premier all-star game. |
Tariq Woolen NFL Draft Player ProfileNFL teams are willing to bet on athletic traits, there has to be some evidence that there is a modicum of technical ability to develop. Not only is that evident in Woolen, but he’s also demonstrated some progress in that regard already. As a wide receiver turned cornerback with only two years of experience, there is, of course, room for improvement, which we’ll get to shortly. However, there’s been a clear development thus far. Naturally, his speed allows him to maintain sticky coverage throughout the route. However, Woolen also showcases more than pure speed. The UTSA cornerback has a fluidity of movement. Once again, his footwork as he transitions from backpedal to run has taken strides as he has become a more experienced cornerback.
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