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Seahawks Wednesday training camp notes: Tariq Woolen vs George Pickens gives fans something else to root for

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Seahawks Wednesday training camp notes: Tariq Woolen vs George Pickens gives fans something else to root for

8/10/22: Seahawks coaches must be as pleased with their rookies as the Steelers coaches are with Pickens

Seaside Joe
Aug 11, 2022
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Seahawks Wednesday training camp notes: Tariq Woolen vs George Pickens gives fans something else to root for

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The Seattle Seahawks travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers on Saturday and while preseason openers so rarely feature storylines that will be as relevant come Week 1, neither team has the luxury to sit their starting quarterback this weekend. Because neither team knows who their starting quarterback is going to be in Week 1.

Therefore, Seahawks fans can watch Saturday’s game with high levels of interest for an exhibition contest, and it’s not only because of Geno Smith or Drew Lock…two quarterbacks who normally wouldn’t be skipping the preseason anyway.

Both teams also feature rookies and key training camp standouts who will be making their preseason debuts and potentially even starting early in their careers: If George Pickens vs. Tariq Woolen isn’t an ESPN A-story yet…it could be very soon.

Today’s Seahawks training camp notes is a FREE bonus post, but please consider upgrading to premium for only $5 to keep the chains moving.

If the Seahawks had drafted Pickens this year instead of Boye Mafe or Ken Walker III, it’s safe to guarantee that he would be the number one player that every Seattle follower is talking about right now. After all, he’s drawn the most attention in Pittsburgh already for his daily highlight reel catches, his comps to Hall of Fame receivers, and hype that is rarely heard for a player who has yet to even make his first preseason appearance.

Twitter avatar for @NFLRookieWatxh
NFL Rookie Watch @NFLRookieWatxh
George Pickens continues to turn heads at Steelers camp 👀
9:34 PM ∙ Aug 3, 2022
3,022Likes257Retweets
Twitter avatar for @C_AdamskiTrib
Chris Adamski @C_AdamskiTrib
I don't wanna say the George Pickens hype train has left the station and just might be running off the proverbial rails... but I heard a former player say he "reminds me of Randy Moss" today
5:25 PM ∙ Aug 9, 2022
879Likes47Retweets
Twitter avatar for @ThePoniExpress
Andrew Fillipponi @ThePoniExpress
Look out AFC North. George Pickens will be the Steelers best receiver since Antonio Brown.
1:05 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
1,713Likes112Retweets

As encouraging as these reports must be for Steelers fans, they aren’t all that surprising to Pickens fans, people who have been following him since he was a five-star recruit coming out of high school. Then an outstanding freshman at Georgia, and only a second round pick because of a torn ACL suffered last spring in practice. If not for that injury, Pickens may have been the top receiver drafted and through two weeks of training camp it looks like he should have been.

Then again, if draft stock had any merit, Tariq Woolen wouldn’t have been a fifth round pick already threatening the job security of several veteran Seahawks cornerbacks.

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Woolen’s greatest offense as a draft prospect was merely a lack of experience at the only position that the NFL was interested in him as: a cornerback. Everything else in the package, including his 4.26 speed and 42” vertical on a 6’4 frame with 33.5” arms, screams that if Woolen had played at Alabama or Ohio State, he could have cartwheeled into the top-30 picks without even playing a snap in 2021.

Twitter avatar for @BradyHenderson
Brady Henderson @BradyHenderson
Seahawks will get a long look at rookies Coby Bryant (8) and Tariq Woolen (39) with injuries to several other CBs. They were already without Sidney Jones, Tre Brown and John Reid when Artie Burns got hurt yesterday. He’s not practicing today. Newcomer Jameson Houston (32) is here
9:11 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
31Likes1Retweet

This is not to say that Woolen or Pickens have done enough to prove themselves as NFL players. It is only to say that Woolen and Pickens have done enough to prove themselves as one of the most intriguing matchups in the entire league for preseason’s opening weekend.

And that’s all I’m really asking for at this point.

When George Pickens gets his first target from Mitch Trubisky or Mason Rudolph on Saturday, it will be just as much his opportunity to prove he should start as it will be for any quarterback in this game. When Tariq Woolen or Coby Bryant step to the line across from Pickens, Chase Claypool, or Diontae Johnson, they will also feel just as much weight on their shoulders to prove that they belong with the pros.

Both Woolen and Bryant have starred at Seahawks training camp and in the mock game last Saturday, enough to think that by season’s end at least one of the rookies will be starting. Injuries to Sidney Jones IV, Artie Burns, and others have reminded fans that the rookies could be tasked with starting much sooner than that.

In Bryant’s case, Pete Carroll’s words about having “a better feel” for him than Woolen makes complete sense and probably indicates that the head coach who unearthed Richard Sherman, Brandon Browner, and Byron Maxwell, sees limitless possibilities with the fifth round receiver-turned-corner out of UTSA. Maybe Bryant feels similar to Shaquill Griffin, a probable starter early in his career but never a player trusted to shutdown a team’s number one.

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Seattle Seahawks @Seahawks
Always Compete‼️ @_Tariqwoolen #SeahawksCamp x @Boeing
10:38 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
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And Woolen is more of the Sherman variety, a former receiver who can actually go step-for-step, leap-for-leap, and catch-for-catch with the best wideouts in the NFL.

I don’t know if that’s true or not yet…but I’m ready to believe that it is true because what else are we doing here if not hoping to see something special? And not ruling it out until we absolutely have to.

What’s so great about the “lacks experience” red flag is that we don’t have 30 or 40 games worth of footage that gives us reason to be skeptical. While those players usually don’t end up becoming the stars that we fantasize them turning into, there’s no risk of that talent disappearing once the prospect shows sign of real development.

Whereas an injury risk, character issues, or “this guy simply can’t do (that) in a game” may linger for an entire career, the beauty of needing more development or converting positions is that if it happens-it happens!

We were not even halfway through Richard Sherman’s rookie season before it became very apparent that Seattle would have a gem for years to come. Same with Doug Baldwin. If Woolen gets a few games into his career showing off real abilities as a cornerback, it would be completely fair to feel optimistic that the Seahawks got a day one pick on day three.

We aren’t there yet. But with each new day in training camp, we keep getting closer. With a starring performance on Saturday against some legitimate NFL receiving threats, it will be too late to hope to slow down the Tariq Woolen hype train.

That’s a 4.26 locomotive.

Here’s what happened at Seahawks training camp on Wednesday. Please consider sharing Seaside Joe with a Seahawks friend/on social media/through word of mouth if you like what you’re reading.

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Geno Smith-Drew Lock, Day…. Whatever day it is

I do not put ANY stock into how the Seahawks are splitting reps with the quarterbacks in practices yet. Everything has gone exactly as expected and until Geno Smith takes most reps with the 1s next week, I will not believe that he’s “in the lead” to start.

Twitter avatar for @gbellseattle
Gregg Bell @gbellseattle
Yesterday had been Geno Smith’s best passing day of Seahawks camp. Today he’s been better. Perfect in drills with WRs. Then in 11 on 11 two exquisite throws in a row for TDs, to Tyler Lockett low and away, DK Metcalf high & away from defenders to where only his guys could get it
9:33 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
16Likes5Retweets

Everything Pete has done has pointed towards Geno getting to be QB1 through the first preseason game. Only if Geno Smith is the starter in the second preseason game (which would be kind of funny, a little illogical) will I believe that the Seahawks are unimpressed with Drew Lock. Which is not to say that they are impressed either, but I think Pete would have to be disappointed to not give Lock a preseason start in Week 2 and a week with the 1s.

Twitter avatar for @gbellseattle
Gregg Bell @gbellseattle
Then Drew Lock (still with the 2 offensive line) responds with two TD fades to Lockett that were indefensible. The Seahawks’ quarterback derby is (finally) warming up.
Twitter avatar for @gbellseattle
Gregg Bell @gbellseattle
Yesterday had been Geno Smith’s best passing day of Seahawks camp. Today he’s been better. Perfect in drills with WRs. Then in 11 on 11 two exquisite throws in a row for TDs, to Tyler Lockett low and away, DK Metcalf high & away from defenders to where only his guys could get it
9:34 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
7Likes5Retweets
Twitter avatar for @BradyHenderson
Brady Henderson @BradyHenderson
Another good moment from Smith in a later 11/11 period, when the No. 1 defense brought pressure. With Jamal Adams screaming off the edge, Smith decisively fired off a quick throw that hit Will Dissly in stride for a long gain. Had lots of room to run with Adams in the backfield.
11:11 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
17Likes2Retweets
Twitter avatar for @bcondotta
Bob Condotta @bcondotta
Each QB with two TD passes in red zone drill. Lockett caught three of them - two from Lock and one from Smith. Smith also hit Metcalf for one. Smith again working behind starting OL and Lock with backup OL
9:35 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022

Nothing we’ve seen in practice reps, nothing said by Pete to the media has implied that the team is disappointed in Lock. Pete mentioned one ugly throw/decision by Lock early in camp and that they’ve kind of used those moments to steer him in the right direction. These next two preseason games will be Seattle’s chance to see their teaching in action.

Debut of CB Jameson Houston, #32

Twitter avatar for @bcondotta
Bob Condotta @bcondotta
Injuries and depth issues at CB leading to some more open receivers for the QBs the past two days. Each putting up solid numbers last two days. Steelers game may be more telling.
9:39 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
Twitter avatar for @bcondotta
Bob Condotta @bcondotta
Newest Seahawk Jameson Houston wearing jersey number 32.
8:47 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
15Likes3Retweets

The team signed Jameson Houston on Wednesday (read: 15 players potentially falling out of favor at other training camps who the Seahawks might be interested in) and he may see action as early as Saturday. The Seahawks will need cornerback help given all the injuries at the position.

I mean, really, I do get sick of myself referencing the “running backs don’t matter crowd”, but has anyone else noticed the league-wide attrition rate at cornerback recently? It’s very concerning.

Ken Walker is a home run threat on every play

Twitter avatar for @CorbinSmithNFL
Corbin K. Smith @CorbinSmithNFL
#Seahawks 10th camp practice is over. Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf put on a show with four combined TD receptions in red zone/team blitz drill, while Ken Walker III took a screen 65 yards for a score.
10:54 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
122Likes11Retweets

Cliff Avril and more “former Seahawks” sightings

Twitter avatar for @gbellseattle
Gregg Bell @gbellseattle
Cliff Avril back at Seahawks practice, watching the defensive line. Frequent visitor. ⁦@thenewstribune⁩
8:55 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022

Did this used to happen every year and we’re just now covering it because Russell Wilson is gone? Or is this a new phenomena? I’m really asking:

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Out: CB Artie Burns, S Ryan Neal, LB Jordyn Brooks, others

Twitter avatar for @bcondotta
Bob Condotta @bcondotta
As expected, Artie Burns among those sidelined today after injuring groin yesterday. Ryan Neal, still out with an ankle sprain, is out of the walking boot today.
8:48 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
Twitter avatar for @gbellseattle
Gregg Bell @gbellseattle
LB Jordyn Brooks still not practicing (hamstring). No pads day at Seahawks training camp.
Image
8:46 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
7Likes1Retweet

Slowly working back: WR Dee Eskridge

Twitter avatar for @gbellseattle
Gregg Bell @gbellseattle
WR Dee Eskridge (hamstring) slowly, incrementally increasing work. Catching passes from Geno Smith, Drew Lock, Jacob Eason. Still not running
8:59 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
Twitter avatar for @bcondotta
Bob Condotta @bcondotta
DK Metcalf and Dee Eskridge doing work after practice.
10:55 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
72Likes7Retweets
Twitter avatar for @bcondotta
Bob Condotta @bcondotta
Dee Eskridge catching a few passes as QBs work on a scramble drill.
9:11 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
28Likes2Retweets

Rookie CB duo

Twitter avatar for @gbellseattle
Gregg Bell @gbellseattle
Rookies Coby Bryant and Tariq Woolen again the Seahawks’ starting cornerbacks in practice today
9:29 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
35Likes3Retweets

Coby Bryant has worked at nickel several times this week. Looking ahead to the Broncos in Week 1, the slot receiver could be speedy K.J. Hamler or even former first round pick Jerry Jeudy. Really at this point, we can’t say for sure if Hamler or Jeudy was the better pick. But Denver is likely to have real talent in the slot for Russell Wilson to be targeting against the Seahawks nickel corner. Is that going to be Justin Coleman?

Twitter avatar for @bcondotta
Bob Condotta @bcondotta
Coby Bryant again getting some snaps at nickel. Appears to be splitting time at LCB with number one defense with Michael Iackson. Woolen again starter on right side.
9:36 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022

I actually DON’T like seeing Nick Bellore at LB

Not great news about the linebacker injuries.

Twitter avatar for @bcondotta
Bob Condotta @bcondotta
With a lot of injuries at linebacker Nick Bellore getting snaps with number one defense today.
9:49 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
36Likes4Retweets

Out: WR Marquise Goodwin, WR Freddie Swain (Rest)

Twitter avatar for @bcondotta
Bob Condotta @bcondotta
WRs Marquise Goodwin and Freddie Swain not practicing today, appearing to just get rest days.
9:09 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
12Likes4Retweets

New CB techniques with Karl Scott

Twitter avatar for @CorbinSmithNFL
Corbin K. Smith @CorbinSmithNFL
Just spoke with #Seahawks CB Mike Jackson. Interesting comments on differences defensively this year. While they are still having corners use kick-step technique, he said they are doing it a bit differently this year with Karl Scott as the defensive backs coach.
7:16 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
84Likes9Retweets

Maybe lost in the shuffle when talking about Woolen and Bryant is the work of Karl Scott. This is just me looking through the deck.

Twitter avatar for @bcondotta
Bob Condotta @bcondotta
DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett working with new receivers coach Sanjay Lal. I’ve heard several receivers talk about how detail oriented Lal is.
9:10 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
32Likes5Retweets

Mixed signals at RT

Twitter avatar for @bcondotta
Bob Condotta @bcondotta
Jake Curhan again working with starters at right tackle. With Seahawks traveling tomorrow that may mean he’s in line to start Wednesday.
9:20 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
10Likes3Retweets

The Seahawks seem to be testing the right tackle positions in as many ways as they can, with Abe Lucas expected to start on Saturday. Is Lucas just a better fit for the Geno Smith offense? Does that mean that if Lock wins the job, Jake Curhan will be the right tackle?

Noah Fant-One drop, one catch

Twitter avatar for @MikeDugar
Dugar, Michael-Shawn @MikeDugar
Scott Nelson and Noah Fant
9:24 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
Twitter avatar for @MikeDugar
Dugar, Michael-Shawn @MikeDugar
Blount and Fant
9:27 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
Twitter avatar for @MikeDugar
Dugar, Michael-Shawn @MikeDugar
Some TE-safety 1-on-1s. Marquise Blair vs Will Dissly
9:22 PM ∙ Aug 10, 2022
20Likes1Retweet

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Shelby Harris on Charles Cross

Twitter avatar for @BradyHenderson
Brady Henderson @BradyHenderson
Shelby Harris sounds impressed with what he’s seen from rookie OT Charles Cross ... even though the ninth overall pick was responsible for Harris’ ripped shirt.
12:07 AM ∙ Aug 11, 2022
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We haven’t heard that much about Charles Cross yet and I don’t want to speculate too much about why that is. It’s possible you could infer that no news is bad news, why rock the rookie’s confidence if the media doesn’t quite know what it’s looking at? But isn’t it also fair to wonder if no news is good news? Like most offensive line situations?

I will wait to judge until the games begin, but if Cross struggles as a rookie, it won’t worry me.

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Seahawks Wednesday training camp notes: Tariq Woolen vs George Pickens gives fans something else to root for

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Seahawks Wednesday training camp notes: Tariq Woolen vs George Pickens gives fans something else to root for

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Phil
Aug 11, 2022Liked by Seaside Joe

Pete Carroll has been very effusive in his praises of Karl Scott in various interviews. As a fan, I sort of take that with a grain of salt because It comes from Pete and everything is rosy this time of the year. But it’s really reassuring to see the player’s perspectives agreeing with Pete too. For the last few years, seeing players like Tre Flowers and Diggs saying theyre confused by their assignments after the Vikings game and secondary giving up lots of yards had me questioning how much of that was from poor coaching. Then passing game coordinator Andre Curtis was fired.

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Doug
Writes Doug’s Fresh
Aug 11, 2022Liked by Seaside Joe

Great write-up. I can't wait for Saturday to see what we've got.

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