By the numbers, here is where the Seahawks defense ranked in relevant statistical categories (Per Pro Football Reference):
The bad:
- 32nd in total plays run against
- 31st in total first downs conceded
- 30th in total yards after catch allowed on completions
- 28th in yards conceded
- 26th in pressure %
- 25th in total takeaways
- 23rd in yards per attempt against
The decent to good:
- 13th in passer rating against
- 13th in 3rd down conversions against
- 10th in % of drives ending in a score
- 9th in points per game against
- 4th in red zone touchdown % against
- 2nd in rushing yards gained per attempt
It's worth separating the negatives from the positives of the defense's performance. This was a defense that bowed up in the red zone and did a great job of preventing touchdowns. They were also robust against the run game, and (for the most part) kept offenses from going over the top on them. Unfortunately, they also allowed offenses to readily attack the sticks against them and convert first downs at will. Teams were content to work the short passing game, and often got extra yards after the catch. A lackluster pass rush didn't help matters in this regard, and they couldn't be counted on to force turnovers to kill drives either. Throughout the season, fans witnessed a defense suffered death by a thousand cuts. They did little to intimidate their weekly matchups, and at times looked hapless. The past two seasons were a far cry from the Legion of Boom days, and I'm certain the organization is looking to add fire and excitement back to this side of the ball.
As a friendly reminder, here are the picks the Seahawks hold for the 2022 draft:
- 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
With those in mind, here is a current overview of the Seahawks defensive position groups:
Defensive Tackle
- Poona Ford
- Al Woods
- Bryan Mone
- Quinton Jefferson
- Myles Adams
- Niles Scott
- Jarrod Hewitt
Thoughts on Depth Chart
This position is in solid shape going into the 2022 season. Poona Ford and Al Woods anchored the interior as the starters last year, and provided stout run defense with a few flashes of pocket pressure. Mone showed he could be an anchor as part of the rotation, and the team's reunion with Quinton Jefferson (Tallied 25 pressures last year) adds some extra pass rush potential to the group. At this time, Adams, Scott and Hewitt seem like depth pieces that will see few snaps, but could have opportunities to spell the starters.
Draft Outlook
The re-signing of Al Woods and the signing of Quinton Jefferson seem to have the Hawks well-set at this position. However, they may find themselves tempted to tap into a draft class that has solid talent depth. I don't expect them to take an early swing on a defensive tackle, but it should be fair game once round 3 comes around.
Defensive End / EDGE
- Darrell Taylor
- Shelby Harris
- LJ Collier
- Alton Robinson
Thoughts on Depth Chart
The team is middling at defensive end. Taylor had quite a positive showing in his first season played, and the addition of Harris as part of the Russell Wilson trade adds leadership and a decent pass rush presence to the unit. Collier has shown his hand at this point as a backup-level talent, and Alton Robinson failed to take step forward last season. As a whole, this group can create some disruption, but it may be inconsistent. The lack of outside pressure played a large role in the defense's inability to end drives last season.
Draft Outlook
The pass rush should be a priority for the Hawks to address, and this is a great draft class to do just that. The group has plenty of physical upside and good depth, and I think the team could be looking to select a player with their first pick. Given the importance of the position, it will be disappointing if they end the draft without picking at least 1 talented edge rusher.
Linebacker
- Inside (MIKE)
- Jordyn Brooks
- Jon Rhattigan
- Tanner Muse
- Lakiem Williams
- Outside (SAM & WILL)
- Uchenna Nwosu
- Cody Barton
- Joel Iyiegbuniwe
- Ben Burr-Kirven
- Aaron Donkor
Thoughts on Depth Chart
The only player in the interior group I have confidence in is Jordyn Brooks, who had high production last year and flashed exciting upside. None of the players below him are proven in the NFL, and seem destined for emergency depth or special teams. If Brooks were to fall to injury, I have significant concerns about the drop off in play up the middle.
On the outside, Nwosu is a solid athlete who offers legitimate pass rush ability. Barton will finally have an opportunity to establish himself as a regular player, and has held his own in previous spot starts. Iyiegbuniwe, BBK, and Donkor will likely only see time on special teams in the coming season. Overall, the starters look set, but there isn't much to be excited about past them.
Draft Outlook
The team should be looking to inject some physicality and speed at this position. There is a wide breadth of linebacker talent in this draft that could span multiple rounds, and the Seahawks should take advantage of this. I would not be surprised to see them pick a linebacker as early as round 2.
Cornerback
- Artie Burns
- Sidney Jones
- Tre Brown
- Justin Coleman
- John Reid
- Michael Jackson Sr.
Thoughts on Depth Chart
The group looks decent going into the season. Sidney Jones and Artie Burns both have quite a few games under their belts as starters, but don't provide an imposing presence on the outside. Tre Brown was off to a fast start in his rookie season that was derailed by a torn left patellar tendon, and the hope is that he can regain the form he showed. Coleman is back for another go-around with the Hawks, and looks to hold down the starting nickel spot. Reid and Jackson are the depth pieces, and may only see the field due to injury or the use of sub-packages.
Draft Outlook
There is not a dire need to bolster the cornerback group, but I would still like to see the team draft one with upside. There are stellar athletes in this group, and the top end talent is very attractive. I think the middle rounds (3-5) are a realistic range to see the Hawks make a selection at cornerback, but it's possible they pull the trigger in round 2 if the right prospect is there.
Safety
- Quandre Diggs
- Jamal Adams
- Ryan Neal
- Marquise Blair
- Ugo Amadi
Thoughts on Depth Chart
This a group to have some confidence in. Diggs played very well last season and was paid handsomely for it, with the team giving him a 3 year, $39 million extension. He is currently on the mend from a broken fibula and ankle dislocation, but seems on track to start the season. Adams is nursing a torn labrum that required season-ending surgery, and is also recovering well by the look of it. However, it may be a cause for concern seeing as it was the same shoulder he injured in the prior year. Does this raise a flag for lingering problems moving forward? He had a less than stellar showing in the 12 games before the tear, but could return to his typical form with the potential shift in defensive scheme. Neal is a very capable backup that can step up when called upon. Amadi had a down year last season, and the hope is that he can bounce back. Marquise Blair's season came to a premature close due to a fractured patella. This is his second straight year with a season cut short by injury, and you have to wonder if injuries will perpetually keep him off the field.
Draft Outlook
The Seahawks shouldn't press to grab a safety in the draft, as the starters are signed for multiple years and have Pro-Bowl level ability. Depth also looks decent below them, but it couldn't hurt to add another talented player to the group given Blair's nagging health issues. I think the Hawks could look to pick up a safety from this class following round 3.
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