10 most valuable Seahawks draft selections of the last decade

3rd best Seahawks draft selection of the 2010s: Bobby Wagner, LB

The Seahawks were reportedly very high on two linebackers in the 2012 NFL Draft. They decided to select whoever fell to them in the second round between Mychal Kendricks from California and Bobby Wagner from Utah State. After trading back, Kendricks was no longer available thanks to the Eagles selection. The rest, well that is all history.

Wagner was just a part of the defamed 2012 class that many experts pegged as a failure by Seattle. The experts believed Wagner was not agile enough to cover NFL receivers and too small to really be a factor against bigger tight ends and the run game.

The main reason, however, had nothing to do with Wagner himself, but on the Seahawks organization. They criticized the pick because Seattle had an already stacked linebacker room and the team had many other needs (sounds familiar with the selection of Jordyn Brooks).

Here is a quick synopsis of his scouting report:

• –          Athletic linebacker with a lot of speed
• –          solid in pass coverage but a little slow to read the play
• –          Instinctive defender
• –          Good patience
• –          Thick build
• –          Zero pass-rushing ability
• –          Stiff hips and struggles with changing directions
• –          Not big enough to cover tight ends

Fast forward to today and Wagner is arguable the best linebacker in the NFL. Between Luke Kuechly and he, there has been virtually no doubt who the top two linebackers were during the 2010s. Each has held the crown multiple times over the last 8 seasons.

Let’s take a look at some key stats (2012-2019 amongst linebackers):

Stat                        Quantity              NFL Rank

Tackles                    1092                        2nd

Interceptions            10                      T-4th

Passes Defensed     47                         3rd

TFL:                              58                         8th

QB Hits:                      64                         4th

Sacks                          19.5                     10th

If there is one thing we know about Bobby Wagner, he has come a long way from being a predominant run stuffer early in his career. He is easily one of the most well-rounded players in the NFL. He can do everything and do it all at an elite level.

Let me highlight the few things that I find the most impressive about Wagner’s game. First, he is everywhere, all the time. Regardless of where the play is or is going, he gets an accurate read and is always in on the play. It’s part of the reason he is consistently in the top 5 in tackles, if not leading the league.

Second, he is about the most patient player in the game. He is a defensive Le’Veon Bell. He waits while the play develops before making his move. He is truly a cerebral player and lets his hours of tape dictate his moves, as opposed to gut feelings. Fortunately, he has the athletic gifts to close the gaps quickly after being patient in the beginning.

Finally, his ability to make the tackle. This is the most straight forward out of the 3. Once Wagner gets ahold of you, the play is over. He has a ridiculous missed tackle rate over the last two seasons of just 3.2%. This means on 300 tackles he attempted between 2018-2019, he missed only 9 of them. There isn’t a better tackler in the NFL.

The Seahawks struck gold when the Eagles chose to select Mychal Kendricks instead of Bobby Wagner. This may be a lucky selection, or it may be a stroke of genius. Regardless, Wagner is still making plays today and Pete and John have done everything in their power to keep him around long term.