2022 NFL Draft: Seattle Seahawks Draft Picks Wrap-Up

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The Seahawks had a very good, foundational draft

The picks are locked in, and there is a lot to like about how the Seahawks played the draft board this year. Here are the players selected, with brief notes on each one:
  • Round 1, No. 9: Charles Cross, OT - Mississippi State
    • Widely considered the best pass protector in this class, there are some qualms about his experience with run blocking. He's on the younger side, and there's the sense that he has untapped potential to become a complete LT that bookends the edge for years to come. 
  • Round 2, No. 40: Boye Mafe, EDGE - Minnesota
    • Highly explosive pass rusher that comes into the league with some technical ability that can continue to be refined. He's an exciting player to have coming off the edge, and can easily get better.
  • Round 2, No. 41: Ken Walker III, RB - Michigan State
    • The best running back in college football, and won the Doak Walker award to prove it. Explosive player with home run ability that can be a tone-setter for the offense.
  • Round 3, No. 72: Abraham Lucas, OT - Washington State
    • Smooth athlete with good numbers in both pass protection and run blocking. Local to the area, and someone the Seahawks likely had many opportunities to study. He has the potential to become a long-term RT.
  • Round 4, No. 109: Coby Bryant, CB - Cincinatti
    • Jim Thorpe award winner, given to the best DB in college football. He's only a decent athlete, but makes up for it with great coverage instincts to pair with ball skills. According to those around him, he was also a positive locker room presence, which is always a plus.
  • Round 5, No. 153 (Traded down from pick 145 with KC): Tariq Woolen, CB - UTSA
    • Elite blend of size, length, and athletic testing makes him a high ceiling prospect. Prototypical Seahawks pick with a CB1 frame. He needs significant technical refinement, but should have time to develop behind the established starters.
  • Round 5, No. 158: Tyreke Smith, EDGE - Ohio State
    • A player the Seahawks had been eyeing leading up to the draft. Testing numbers suggest limited upside, but he had a very solid week of performance at the Senior Bowl. He should quickly plug in to shore up the depth chart.
  • Round 7, No. 229: Bo Melton, WR - Rutgers
    • Smaller receiver with explosiveness and quick twitch qualities. He also has return game experience, and good YAC ability on shorter routes.
  • Round 7, No. 233 (Received in trade with KC): Dareke Young, WR - Lenoir-Rhyne
    • Great athleticism to go with size. Very raw from a technical standpoint, but plays with physicality and took reps at both WR and RB in college.
Thoughts on the Picks
The Seahawks seemed to have a clear plan based on their draft approach. Three of the first picks were made to bolster the offense for whoever plays QB. Cross and Lucas are potential long-term bookends who already show strength in pass protection with the tools to succeed at run blocking. Ken Walker has star potential at RB, and projects to complement Penny and provide a potent 1-2 punch to the ground game. Seattle was aggressive with bringing in players to set the foundation for the offense, while leaving the door open to find an eventual franchise passer.

They also thoughtfully added to the defensive side of the ball. Mafe was one of the most explosive testers in this draft class, and already has the skills to see significant snaps across from Darrell Taylor. Going with back-to-back picks at cornerback padded the depth chart with skilled talent in Coby Bryant, and tantalizing upside in Tariq Woolen. Following that up with Tyreke Smith gave them another solid pass rusher to add to their rotation. 

The final two picks at wideout mirror the cornerback selections. Melton has polished route running skills and the suddenness to create quick separation, so he should immediately compete at slot receiver. Dareke Young has an outstanding overall physical profile, and will have time to learn the nuances of the position at the back of the depth chart.

It's hard not to get excited about this draft class, which could be Seattle's best in several years. Schneider and Carroll acquired players of equal or greater value than their projected slots, and showed that they wanted to address the premium positions with quality talent. I am very much looking forward to the 2022 season lead up, and will be watching the rookies closely during the preseason. Go Hawks!

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