The Seattle Seahawks 3-1 start has been very encouraging, but one could make an argument the franchise could be sitting at 4-0 on the year if Riq Woolen simply would have played better in their season-opening loss against the San Francisco 49ers.
With the trade deadline approaching and whispers of Woolen being on the trade block, one NFL analyst believes the Seahawks could continue to stockpile this secondary with talent in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Seattle Seahawks Select Penn State CB A.J. Harris in Latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Ian Cummings of Pro Football Sports Network understands that Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and general manager John Schneider are going to have to make some long-term decisions at the cornerback position this upcoming offseason, which has him believing Seattle could elect to retool the position via the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
Cummings wrote, “Everyone except Devon Witherspoon in Seattle’s CB room is on an expiring contract, leaving a pressing need for Mike Macdonald. A.J. Harris is 6’1″ and will be 21 next November. He has the snappy, fluid athleticism and recovery burst to play man or zone.”
The Seattle defense has gotten off to a promising start this season, especially when you take into consideration Devon Witherspoon missing two games due to injury. Derion Kendrick made a handful of impact plays with an expanded role and this defense still hasn’t gotten the chance to bring talented rookie DB Nick Emmanwori into the fold due to injury.
How Could Trading Riq Woolen Impact the Seahawks’ Offseason?
If the Seahawks elect to part ways with Woolen via trade ahead of the trade deadline, then it could make a cornerback a potential position of need entering this offseason. This could make Harris a potential option in the back half of round one.
Harris’ scouting report at NFL Draft Buzz reads, “Harris has true CB1 potential written all over his game. His blend of size, physicality, and fluid athleticism makes him scheme-versatile, though he’ll thrive in systems that allow him to press at the line and disrupt timing. The Penn State junior shows all the traits of a boundary corner who can neutralize an opponent’s top target while providing stout run support. His competitive demeanor jumps off the tape – this isn’t a corner who shies away from contact or takes plays off when the ball goes elsewhere.”
A versatile defensive back could appeal to Mike Macdonald, who loves to mix up his defensive personnel and schemes to confuse opposing quarterbacks. Harris didn’t see the field much as a freshman at Georgia, but has managed to produce 35 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and a pick throughout 20 games worth of action at Penn State.
The idea of selecting a cornerback in the upcoming draft instantly makes more sense if Woolen is no longer on the roster. Yet, trading Woolen could also mean the Seahawks have a significant amount of faith in the other cornerbacks currently on the roster to play at a reliable level.
Harris’ prospect profile feels intriguing in this defensive scheme, which makes the organization’s decision on what the future of Woolen with the franchise worth monitoring over the next few months.