3 sleeper picks in Seahawks 2023 draft who could be next Tariq Woolen

The Seahawks found another gem in the later rounds of the NFL Draft in 2022, selecting Tariq Woolen in the fifth round with the 153rd pick. General manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll have a knack for finding elite defensive backs in the mid-to-late rounds of the Draft. Woolen joined Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor, both of whom were taken in the fifth round of the NFL Draft in 2010 and 2011, to be selected to the Pro Bowl.

Not only did Woolen make the 2023 Pro Bowl, but he also had a team-high six interceptions in his first season as a cornerback for Seattle. The Seahawks are hoping Woolen could lead the beginning of a new LOB in Seattle and help them win a Super Bowl the same way the team did in 2014. Pete Carroll has been a huge part of the Seahawks’ success in coaching up defensive backs who have the raw athleticism to play but need more discipline to succeed in the NFL.

John Schneider, also, has done a fantastic job of finding defensive backs who are overlooked by other teams. Richard Sherman and Tariq Woolen, for example, were originally wide receivers in college who were converted to defensive backs. This meant they had little experience at the position.

Three CBs steals the Seahawks could find in the 2023 NFL draft

Knowing the coach he had, Schneider was able to overlook that lack of experience and take chances on their raw athleticism. Now Schneider and Carroll will be looking to find another great defensive back late in the 2023 NFL Draft. Here are three defensive back prospects the Seahawks could draft in the fifth round or later.