Tariq Woolen has quickly become one of the most intriguing defensive backs in the NFL. Known for his rare combination of size and speed, the Seattle Seahawks cornerback rose from a fifth-round pick to one of the league’s most exciting young defenders. His elite athletic traits, including a blazing 40-yard dash, helped him stand out during the NFL Combine and accelerate his development in the pros.
This article explores Tariq Woolen’s 40-yard dash time, career stats, PFF performance, contract details, and physical measurements.
Tariq Woolen 40-Yard Dash Time
One of the biggest reasons Woolen gained national attention before entering the NFL was his incredible speed.
-
40-yard dash: 4.26 seconds
-
NFL Combine: 2022
-
Height at combine: 6 ft 4 in
-
Vertical jump: 42 inches
At the 2022 NFL Combine, Woolen ran a 4.26-second 40-yard dash, one of the fastest times ever recorded for a defensive back. Even more impressive, he achieved this while standing 6’4″, making him the first prospect at least 6’4″ to run a sub-4.30 40-yard dash.
This rare combination of size and speed helped boost his draft stock and made him a perfect fit for teams looking for a long, physical cornerback.
Tariq Woolen Height and Physical Profile
Woolen’s physical traits are among the best for any cornerback in the league.
-
Height: 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
-
Weight: About 205–210 lbs
-
Arm length: 33⅝ inches
-
Position: Cornerback
-
College: UTSA
His height and wingspan allow him to match up with big receivers and contest passes at the catch point, while his elite speed helps him recover when receivers get separation.
Tariq Woolen Stats (NFL Career)
Woolen has produced solid defensive numbers early in his career with the Seattle Seahawks.
Recent NFL Production
2025 season (example):
-
Tackles: 40
-
Interceptions: 1
-
Passes defended: 12
2024 season:
-
Tackles: 43
-
Interceptions: 3
-
Pass breakups: 14
These numbers highlight Woolen’s ability to create turnovers and disrupt passing plays, which is exactly what teams expect from a starting NFL cornerback.
Tariq Woolen PFF Grades
Advanced analytics platforms like Pro Football Focus (PFF) often evaluate cornerbacks based on coverage efficiency.
During his first few NFL seasons, Woolen has posted solid coverage metrics:
-
2022 PFF grade: around 77+
-
2023 PFF grade: around 75
-
2024 PFF grade: around 67
These grades show strong early performance, particularly in coverage where his length and speed allow him to limit completions and force incompletions.
Tariq Woolen Contract Details
Woolen entered the NFL as a mid-round draft pick.
-
Draft: 2022 NFL Draft
-
Round: 5th
-
Pick: No. 153 overall
-
Team: Seattle Seahawks
As a fifth-round pick, Woolen signed a four-year rookie contract with the Seahawks. Rookie deals for players drafted in that range are typically worth around $3–4 million total, including a signing bonus.
As he approaches the end of his rookie deal, there have already been discussions about a possible contract extension due to his high upside and early production.
College Career at UTSA
Before the NFL, Woolen played at UTSA (University of Texas at San Antonio). Interestingly, he began his college career as a wide receiver before transitioning to cornerback in 2019.
Despite limited experience at the position, he quickly impressed scouts with his physical tools and potential.
Key points from his college career:
-
Started as a receiver before switching to CB
-
Senior Bowl invite in 2022
-
Elite combine performance boosted his draft stock
Why Tariq Woolen Is a Unique Cornerback
Very few cornerbacks in NFL history have Woolen’s physical profile.
What makes him special:
-
Rare 6’4″ height for a CB
-
Elite 4.26 speed
-
Long arms and large catch radius
-
Ball-hawking ability
Because of these traits, many analysts consider him a high-ceiling defensive back capable of becoming a Pro Bowl-level player if his technique continues to develop.
Conclusion
Tariq Woolen stands out as one of the NFL’s most physically gifted cornerbacks. His 4.26-second 40-yard dash, 6’4″ frame, and impressive early stats have helped him emerge as a key piece of the Seattle Seahawks defense.
With strong PFF grades, improving coverage skills, and a rookie contract that could soon lead to an extension, Woolen’s future in the league looks extremely promising.
Leave a Reply