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Pro Football Focus has released their annual ranking of the top 25 players in the NFL under 25 years old. The Seattle Seahawks had one player make the cut: second-year cornerback Tariq Woolen came in at No. 24 on the list.
“Woolen’s lone season thus far was one to remember. He earned an impressive 74.2 coverage grade with six interceptions and 12 forced incompletions. He also had frequent difficult assignments while playing more than 300 coverage snaps in press coverage.”
Woolen came into the league as its most-promising young defensive back. What’s most-exciting about him is that he still has a lot of room to improve. He has unparalleled athleticism for his position and with more experience and a little tutelage from Seattle great Richard Sherman, Woolen will begin learning the finer points of his position and refining his rougher edges. When that happens he’s quickly going to become one of the toughest coverage defenders in football.
If the Seahawks had a snub from this list it would be right tackle Abe Lucas, who turns 25 in October so he won’t be eligible again. Looking ahead, left tackle Charles Cross (22) cornerback Devon Witherspoon (22) and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (21) should all be in the top 25 under 25 conversation.