Author: Jaydev Vemulakonda
Editor: Paul Egbeyemi
In 2021, the Seattle Seahawks finished with a mediocre 7-10 record, the team’s first losing season since 2011 and the future looked hopeless for the team. Superstar quarterback Russell Wilson was disgruntled, and his agent had started trade buzz in the offseason (1). To make matters worse, the team would be without a first round draft pick, as the New York Jets would get their 10th pick in the 2022 draft as part of a trade for former All-Pro Safety Jamal Adams, who only managed 12 games for the Seahawks in the 2021 season (2). The franchise looked like it was heading into purgatory and years of mediocrity were on the horizon. Though, after a few sharp draft picks by GM John Schneider, it looks like the teams’ future prospects have changed half-way through the 2022 season.
Before the draft, the trade of quarterback Russell Wilson gave the Seahawks a top 10 pick via the Denver Broncos and an additional second and fourth round pick (3). Initially, the Seahawks were criticized for this trade. FS1 Analyst and notable Schnieder critic Colin Cowherd tweeted that “The Broncos dunked on the Seahawks” in reference to the trade (1). Though, the draft picks that Schneider in this draft class really proved otherwise.
The Seahawks began the draft by addressing the offensive line issues that had plagued the team for years. Ever since trading away stud centre Max Unger in the 2015 offseason for flashy pass catching tight end Jimmy Graham, the Seahawks consistently had an offensive line that had ranked in the bottom third of the NFL (6). For years, Seahawks fans watched subpar lineman like German Ifedi and DJ Fluker and had the words “false start” burned into their minds every time a flag was thrown at the line of scrimmage (4). The offensive line needed addressing so Schneider used the ninth overall pick acquired from the Broncos on Left Tackle Charles Cross out of Mississippi State (3). Cross was an excellent run blocker and big physical presence who could shore up the blindside for whoever was going to play QB in the post-Wilson era. He has been a big part of the offensive line turnaround this past season. (3). The Seahawks continued their investments in the offensive line in the 3rd Round taking Abraham Lucas out of Washington State to play Right Tackle (5).
With Tackles shored up there was the matter of finding a back to run between them. The run game in Seattle had been inconsistent for years since the departure of Marshawn Lynch. Thomas Rawls had a couple of good years, but eventually fell off, as did Eddie Lacy. Chris Carson, Rashad Penny, and Wilson led a rushing attack that was one of the most potent running games in the league in 2018, but injuries to Penny and Carson and the decline in athleticism of the now traded Wilson had left questions at running back for years in Seattle (7). In 2021, the Seahawks even had to rely on a washed Alex Collins for a few games. Schneider decided to address the position by selecting star back Kenneth Walker III out of the Michigan State. He led FBS in yards after contact and was in the Heisman conversation for a large part of the season. After a week 5 injury to Penny, Walker has stepped in and looked as dynamic as he did in college. The back became the Seahawks first running back since Shaun Alexender to rush for a touchdown in 5 straight games (2). Walker has a patient running style where he often cuts back and waits for lanes to develop, mirroring another running back from Michigan State. The way he can hit the C gap and explode down the field for a touchdown reminds fans of NY Giants RB Saquon Barkley, a former offensive rookie of the year, an award that Walker, following injury to RB Breece Hall appears to be the favourite for.
Finally, one cannot talk about the impact this Seahawks draft has been making without mentioning the Cornerback position. It’s almost been a decade since the Legion of Boom with All-Pros Kam Chancellor, Earl Thomas, and Richard Sherman ran roughshod over the NFL, playing a dominant cover 3 which led to 2 SBs appearances and 1 championship. Since the 2018 offseason, when the Seahawks dismantled this core and cut Sherman, the likes of Shaq Griffin, Sidney Jones, Tre flowers, are names in a lengthy list of average cornerbacks playing the position (7). It all changed this year when Schnider used a fifth-round pick acquired from the Broncos on cornerback Tariq Woolen out of University of Texas San Antonio. Woolen is big slim press corner, who ran 4.26 in the NFL combine. His athletic ability and knowledge he gained from HC Pete Carroll are on display weekly by his sharp aggressive play. Through 10 weeks, Woolen has 5 interceptions, including a snag off a dime ball intended for Cardinals WR Marquise Brown, where he looked just like Sherman used to (5). Coby Byrant has also helped with improvement at corner, the rookie slot corner drafted in the 4th round of Cincinnati, leads the NFL with 5 forced fumbles (5).
The Seahawks have revitalized their franchise and changed the trajectory of the organization with their 2021 draft. Using picks from the trade of their former star quarterback, the team has managed to address key issues at running back, corner back, and offensive line (9). It will be interesting to see if they can continue this stellar drafting next year, when the team has an additional first and second round pick from the Broncos.
References
(1) Cowherd C. Greg Olsen on Russell Wilson Trade. Volume Sports. Published online March 9, 2022.
(2) Theisen, L. Kenneth Walker Doesn’t Waste His Chances. Defector. Published online October 24, 2022.
(3) Dimmitt Z. Recent Numbers Prove Seahawks Rookie OT Charles Cross Has Been Dominant. FanNation. Published online November 18, 2022.
(4) Bebout L. Russell Wilson to Denver Broncos is biggest trade in NFL history. https://milehighsports.com/russell-wilson-to-denver-broncos-is-biggest-trade-in-nfl-history/
(5) Williams E. SEAHAWKS NOAH FANT, COBY BRYANT BREAK OUT; RAMS, CARDS FADE: NFC WEST STOCK WATCH. Fox Sports 1. Published online November 9.
(6) Crabtree C. Seahawks trim roster to 53 players. 965 Jack fm. Published online September 2017. https://jackseattle.iheart.com/content/2017-09-02-seahawks-trim-roster-to-53-players/
(7) Brown MF. Seahawks’ 2021 Cornerback Gamble Is Failing.
(8) Tariq Woolen NFL Draft 2022: Scouting Report for UTSA CB. Bleacher Report.
(9) Greenawalt T. The Jamal Adams trade is finally paying off for the Jets. Yahoo Sports. Published online September 20, 2022. https://ca.news.yahoo.com/the-jamal-adams-trade-is-finally-paying-off-for-the-jets-in-wr-garrett-wilson-143659049.html#:~:text=Let's%20quickly%20recap%20the%20move,a%202022%20fourth%2Dround%20selection.
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