Why the second-year CB hasn’t been activated is explained by Pete Carroll

Coby Bryant, who the Seahawks selected in the fourth round of the 2022 draft, played in all 17 games during his rookie campaign, including six starts. He also received a snap share of 65%.

He began the first two games of the 2023 season at nickel and, despite leaving the team’s Week 2 match early due to a toe injury, participated in 77% of Seattle’s defensive snaps. In the end, the injury compelled the ‘Hawks to put Bryant on injured reserve.

As to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic, head coach Pete Carroll states that Bryant is fit and prepared to play again. The Seahawks, however, believe they do not have enough room on the active roster, which is why they have not yet opened his 21-day practice window.

That speaks volumes about the caliber of Seattle’s cornerback depth chart in addition to being a criticism of Bryant’s play. The fifth overall selection in this year’s draft, rookie Devon Witherspoon, has started every defensive play this season and flourished.

Pro Football Focus’ metrics presently position the Illinois product as the eighth-best corner in the league out of 109 qualified players, and the 55.2% completion rate and 80.7 quarterback rating he has yielded support that assessment. He has also amassed two sacks, a pick-six, and 12 passes defensed.

Selected one round after Bryant in 2022, Riq Woolen is having a strong sophomore campaign and hardly leaves the field. In 2022, he led the league with six interceptions and was nominated to the Pro Bowl. Artie Burns and Michael Jackson have been helpful complementary pieces, and Tre Brown, who has a 60% snap share and has performed well overall, has also played well.

Bryant has struggled in coverage; he gave up a 75% completion percentage and 116.5 QB rating in 2022 and a staggering 90% completion percentage and 98.7 QB rating this year. In 2022, Bryant tied for third place in the league with four forced fumbles. In 2023, he saw very little action; PFF gave him a dismal 39.1 coverage grade.

Bryant might therefore have to wait for an injury or an abrupt decline in play from a fellow CB to return from injured reserve in order to support the Seahawks’ quest for an NFC West championship.