Seattle Seahawks 2022 Draft Picks & Analysis

What's up, football fanatics! Let's dive deep into the Seattle Seahawks 2022 draft class, shall we? The Seahawks, a team known for making some bold moves and finding hidden gems, had a draft class that definitely got people talking. We're going to break down who they picked, why it matters, and how these rookies might shape the future of the Legion of Boom. So, grab your favorite team merch, settle in, and let's get this draft party started!

Round 1, Pick 9: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Alright guys, let's kick things off with the big one – the first-round pick. The Seahawks snagged Charles Cross, an offensive tackle out of Mississippi State, at number 9 overall. Now, this was a massive move, and honestly, a much-needed one. The Seahawks' offensive line has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride, and protecting whoever is under center is absolutely crucial. Cross is a big dude, standing at 6'5" and weighing in around 310 pounds. He's got that athletic build and the kind of quick feet that offensive line coaches dream about. scouts praised his pass-blocking ability, noting his strong anchor and ability to mirror pass rushers. He wasn't just a one-trick pony either; he showed flashes of being a solid run blocker too, which is essential for any offensive lineman trying to make a name for themselves in the tough NFC West.

When you look at his tape, Cross pops. He's got that nasty streak you want to see from an offensive lineman, and he plays with a real competitive edge. He's not afraid to get his hands dirty and battle in the trenches. The Mississippi State offensive line unit was consistently one of the best in the SEC, and Cross was a huge reason why. He's been a starter since his freshman year, which tells you how highly he was regarded coming out of college. Now, the challenge for him will be transitioning to the NFL game. The speed of the rushers, the complexity of the defensive schemes – it's a whole different ballgame. But based on his physical tools and his proven performance against top-tier competition in the SEC, there's a lot of optimism surrounding Charles Cross. He's expected to come in and compete for a starting spot immediately, likely at left tackle, which is a critical position for any team. His development will be key to the Seahawks' success in protecting their quarterback and establishing a solid run game. He's got all the physical gifts, and if he can continue to refine his technique and adapt to the pro game, he could very well be a cornerstone of this offensive line for years to come. The pressure is on, but Cross seems like the kind of player who thrives under it. We're talking about a guy who could potentially anchor the blindside for a decade. That's the kind of impact a top-10 pick is supposed to have, and the Seahawks are betting big on him delivering.

Round 2, Pick 41: Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota

Moving on to the second round, the Seahawks went with Boye Mafe, an edge rusher from Minnesota. Now, this pick is interesting, guys. The Seahawks have historically done a pretty good job of finding talent at the edge rusher position, and Mafe fits that mold. He's got a great frame, listed at 6'4" and about 260 pounds, with impressive athleticism. What really stood out about Mafe was his explosiveness off the snap. He's got that quick first step that can give offensive tackles fits. He also possesses a good blend of power and speed, allowing him to win in different ways. While he might not have had the gaudy sack numbers of some other edge rushers in the draft, his pressure rate and ability to disrupt the pocket were consistently high. Scouts loved his motor – he plays with relentless energy and never gives up on a play. This is the kind of player Pete Carroll loves, a high-effort guy who leaves it all on the field.

Minnesota's defense was stout during his time there, and Mafe was a significant contributor. He showed he could play both the run and the pass effectively. One of the areas scouts wanted to see him improve was his repertoire of pass-rush moves. He relied heavily on his speed and athleticism, and adding more technical skills will be crucial for his NFL success. However, the raw tools are definitely there. He has the physical measurables and the athletic upside to become a dominant force in the league. The Seahawks need to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and Mafe has the potential to help them do just that. He'll likely be part of a rotation initially, learning from veterans and developing his game. But the ceiling for Mafe is incredibly high. He's got the athleticism to be a disruptive force, and if he can harness that raw talent and refine his technique, he could become a real problem for opposing offenses. He's the kind of player who can change the momentum of a game with his pass-rushing ability. The Seahawks are hoping he can bring that 'wow' factor to their defense. He's got the potential to be a steal if he develops as expected, and given the Seahawks' track record with edge rushers, there's reason for optimism.

Round 3, Pick 40: Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State

Okay, this is a pick that generated a lot of buzz, and for good reason! The Seahawks traded up in the third round to select Kenneth Walker III, a running back from Michigan State, at pick number 40. This was a surprise to many, especially with the team needing help elsewhere. However, when you watch Walker run, you understand why they were so enamored. He's a dynamic playmaker with incredible vision and the ability to break tackles. He runs with a powerful, downhill style, but he also possesses deceptive speed and agility to make defenders miss in the open field. In his junior year at Michigan State, he absolutely exploded, rushing for over 1,600 yards and 19 touchdowns, earning him the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back. He was simply dominant.

Walker isn't just a brute force runner; he's also elusive. He has a knack for finding cutback lanes and making defenders look silly with his jukes and spin moves. His balance is exceptional, allowing him to stay on his feet even when taking hits. While his pass-catching abilities were not as heavily utilized in college, he showed flashes of being capable in that area. The Seahawks' running back room needed a jolt of talent, and Walker brings that in spades. With Chris Carson's injury history and the need for a more explosive threat, Walker is expected to be a significant contributor right away. He's the kind of running back who can carry the load and become the focal point of an offense. The offensive line improvements, particularly with Charles Cross coming in, should also help Walker find running room. He has the potential to be a true three-down back, contributing in the run game, the pass game, and even in pass protection. This is a high-upside pick, and if he can stay healthy, Kenneth Walker III has the potential to be one of the most exciting players in the league. He's got that 'wow' factor that can electrify a stadium and give the Seahawks a much-needed offensive spark. The trade-up shows how much they believed in him, and that belief could pay off big time.

Round 4, Pick 109: Cole Luke, CB, Arizona State

Alright, moving into the fourth round, the Seahawks picked Cole Luke, a cornerback from Arizona State, at pick 109. Cornerback was another area where the Seahawks were looking to add depth and competition. Luke is a talented player who possesses good athleticism and fluidity. He's got decent size for the position, and he plays with a scrappy mentality. Scouts noted his quick feet and ability to change direction, which are essential for shutting down receivers in man coverage. He was a consistent performer for the Sun Devils, often tasked with covering the opposing team's best receiver. He showed good instincts in zone coverage as well, demonstrating an understanding of route concepts and the ability to break on the ball.

One of the areas that might have caused him to slide a bit is his physicality. While he's not afraid to tackle, some scouts felt he could be more aggressive in run support and in challenging receivers at the line of scrimmage. However, his coverage skills are what make him an intriguing prospect. He has the potential to develop into a solid nickel cornerback or even compete for an outside starting role if he continues to progress. The Seahawks' secondary has undergone some changes, and adding young talent like Luke is a smart move. He'll be competing for playing time and looking to prove himself at the NFL level. With his athletic profile and coverage ability, he has the tools to become a reliable piece of the Seahawks' defensive backfield. He's the kind of player who can contribute on special teams while he develops his defensive skills, making him valuable from day one. The Seahawks are hoping he can bring that competitive fire and develop into a lockdown corner. He’s got the upside to be a solid contributor for this team.

Later Round Picks and Undrafted Free Agents

Beyond the headline-grabbing selections, the Seahawks continued to build their roster with picks in the later rounds and by signing undrafted free agents. While these players often fly under the radar, they are crucial for team depth and can sometimes turn into steal. It's vital to remember that many successful NFL players weren't high draft picks. The Seahawks, under Pete Carroll, have a history of finding talent in these later rounds and through the undrafted free agent pool.

For instance, in the fifth round, they selected Tariq Woolen, a cornerback from UTSA, at pick 153. Woolen is a physical specimen, standing at 6'4" with incredible speed and length. His raw athleticism is off the charts, and while he's still raw in terms of technique, his physical gifts make him an exciting developmental prospect. He has the potential to develop into a shutdown corner if the Seahawks can mold his raw talent. They also picked up Jamal Hill, an edge rusher from Oregon, in the sixth round (pick 200). Hill is an athletic defender who plays with a lot of energy and has shown flashes of pass-rushing ability. He'll be looking to carve out a role on the defensive line.

In the seventh round, the Seahawks selected Jake Funk, a running back from Maryland, at pick 229. While they already drafted Kenneth Walker III, adding another back like Funk provides competition and depth. He's a tough, physical runner who can contribute on special teams.

Beyond the draft picks, the Seahawks also made several key additions through the undrafted free agent market. These players, often overlooked by NFL teams, represent opportunities for clubs to find hidden gems. The Seahawks' scouting department works hard to identify players who may have slipped through the cracks due to scheme fit, injury, or simply not getting enough exposure. These undrafted players will compete for roster spots during training camp and will be crucial for providing depth at various positions. Keep an eye on these guys, because you never know when an undrafted player might emerge as a star.

Overall Draft Grade

So, what's the verdict on the Seattle Seahawks 2022 draft class? On paper, it looks like a solid group with some high-upside potential. Addressing the offensive line with Charles Cross was a critical move, and he has the potential to be a franchise left tackle. Kenneth Walker III provides an immediate impact at running back and adds a much-needed explosive element to the offense. Boye Mafe offers intriguing pass-rushing upside, and the secondary picks like Cole Luke and Tariq Woolen add depth and competition.

While there were some surprise picks and maybe a few positions that could have been addressed differently, the Seahawks clearly focused on building through the trenches and adding playmakers. They addressed needs while also taking some calculated risks on athletic prospects with high ceilings. The real test, as always, will be how these players develop and perform on the field. But based on the talent acquisition and the potential impact, this draft class has the ingredients to be a success for the Seahawks. It's an exciting group of young players who have the opportunity to make a real difference for the team in the coming years. The future looks a little brighter with these new additions to the roster. It’s a draft class that shows promise and the potential for significant growth, making the upcoming seasons something to eagerly anticipate.