Woolen is an interesting player from a long term plan/cap perspective. He's (deservedly?) going to want a payday as he's consistently been a top cover CB who can generate takeaways if challenged. Teams don't really test him deep which shrinks the field and makes playcalling easier. Problem is, he's about as soft as it gets at CB and you see him going half speed all the time. He also provides nothing on run D. Contrast that to guys like Witherspoon, Williams, and Love who are at 110% every single down and get recognized by MM as players who looks to tilt the field every snap. Riq doesn't have that fire. Not everyone needs to be that same 'alpha' like mentality but man does he look uninterested out there at times.
The long third down is a perfect example of the player he is. Deep zones and his responsibility likely is carry anything middle/deep along the sideline. He was flatfooted at the marker as the guy busted his ass trying to get ~25 yards and then when it came to making a tackle, he just stood there. On a hugely critical down he made zero effort to stop the guy short. That is so completely unacceptable, especially in a physical defense like Mike wants to run. Love immediately started chewing him out.
IMO he's the starter until there's a another cover guy who plays with Witherspoon's energy. Tre Brown lost his job after repeated bad weeks, so I know MM and staff aren't going to put up with poor play, especially effort. I don't know if you open the checkbook for him but he may want that since he's been paid peanuts based on his draft spot.
