2022 NFL Draft: Preliminary Notes

 

What are the Seahawks going to do?

Finally, the 2022 NFL Draft is upon us. For the first time since 2010, the Seahawks have a coveted top 10 pick. John Schneider has repeatedly lamented not having a draft slot in the top 10, and it will be intriguing to see how he'll use it this year. As a final recap of their arsenal, here are the draft picks the team currently holds:

• Round 1: No. 9 (from DEN) 
• Round 2: No. 40 (from DEN) 
• Round 2: No. 41 
• Round 3: No. 72 
• Round 4: No. 109 (from NYJ) 
• Round 5: No. 145 (from DET through DEN) 
• Round 6: No. 153 
• Round 7: No. 229

Moves on Draft Day

Several potential moves have been discussed in the media regarding the Seahawks' approach the draft, but a couple of talking points have been brought up ad nauseum: That they'll take a QB early, or that they are looking to trade down.

I openly weep at the thought of them taking a QB at #9. It simply isn't the draft to commit to one that high. The top QBs in this draft all have some significant flaws, and are not worthy of a top 10 pick. Next year's class is poised to be much stronger, and I can take the team powering through a season led by Geno Smith or Drew Lock if it means a shot at the best QBs in 2023. 

As for the possibility of trading down, I think there's a decent chance that could happen. If the top offensive lineman and pass rushers are off the board by #9, Seattle may feel that the remaining prospects don't justify such a high selection. It would give me a chuckle to watch John Schneider give away his version of the One Ring when he's pined after it for a decade. Still, it would be understandable to load up on picks and come away with a talented player in the middle of the first. It also invites the possibility of a trade up from pick 40 or 41 should a player they want fall far enough. I'm perfectly fine with the Seahawks standing pat with the picks they have, but can accept a trade down if the circumstances warrant it.

What Might The Seahawks Look For?
Regarding positions of need, I would like to see the Seahawks address them in this order of importance:

• Must-Have: Offensive Line & Pass Rusher
• Despite talk of offensive and defensive scheme changes, the success of Pete-ball leans heavily on winning the line of scrimmage. If the team wants to quickly improve, I believe it is paramount for them to draft at least 3 players total from either of these groups, and hope the first one is selected early.
• Strong Consideration: Cornerback & Linebacker
• The defense operated at its peak when it had great team speed and players swarming to the ball. Pete has long prided himself on coaching up the secondary, and there are exciting CBs to be had this year that tick a lot of boxes. I think it would benefit the team significantly to add physicality and athleticism from either of these groups.
• Nice to Add: Wide Receiver & Running Back
• What's of great help to any QB on the team? Having plenty of weapons to work with when executing plays. Durability concerns in the running back room may compel the Hawks to take a bruiser that exemplifies their ethos, and there is a lot of speed in this draft class at wide receiver. I can see the team selecting both a wideout and running back by the end of the draft.
• Take a Crack: Quarterback, Defensive Tackle, & Safety
• There isn't a great need at any of these positions, but this gives the team a chance to roll the dice on players with boom-or-bust potential. It would be nice to see them stash a safety to be a special teams demon, or a QB that may outperform their cheap contract. As for DT, I think the depth is fine as-is, but it can't hurt to add an athletic prospect to the rotation.
• It's Late, Just Make the Pick: Tight End, Punter, Kicker
• The team has solid depth at tight end, and a lot of money already committed.
• Nobody should be drafting a kicker early.
• Why would you ever look for a Big Balls Dickson replacement?

Thank you for reading these initial thoughts! The next article will discuss prospects Seattle may be looking to draft.