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Seahawks 2022 draft: Early preview of what Seattle might do

By Andy Excell

Apr 26, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; A general view of the stadium floor during the selection of the Seattle Seahawks in the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; A general view of the stadium floor during the selection of the Seattle Seahawks in the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oregon star defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux celebrates after the Ducks’ victory over Colorado at Autzen Stadium on Oct. 11, 2019, in Eugene, Oregon.Eug 092520 Ducks Look To Get Back To Pac12 Football 1 /

Seahawks potential needs on defense in 2022 draft

Defensive tackle

  • Poona Ford – 25 – 2023
  • Al Woods – 34 – 2022
  • Bryan Mone – 22 – 2022 (RFA)
  • Myles Adams – 23 – 2022 (ERFA)
  • Robert Nkemdiche – 26 – 2022
  • Cedric Lattimore – 23 – 2022 (ERFA)

This is another position somewhat lacking in depth and with Woods in his mid-thirties a replacement starter will be needed unless Bryan Mone steps up in 2021.

Even if he did, depth would be needed for the interior of the defensive line.

DeMarvin Leal looks like an outstanding prospect at DT in what looks like an above-average group of DTs, my top 5 prospects are.

  1. DeMarvin Leal (Texas A&M)
  2. Perrioin Winfrey (Oklahoma)
  3. Jordan Davis (Georgia)
  4. Tyler Davis (Clemson)
  5. DJ Dale (Alabama)

Defensive End

  • Carlos Dunlap – 32 – 2023
  • Kerry Hyder – 30 -2024
  • Aldon Smith – 31 – 2022
  • Benson Mayowa – 29 -2023
  • Darryl Taylor – 24 – 2024 (RFA)
  • L.J.Collier – 25 – 2023
  • Rashaad Green – 23 – 2022
  • Alton Robinson – 22 – 2024

On the face of it, the Seahawks look set at DE for the next couple of years, but there is a definite split between the top of the rotation and the depth players. The depth players are a young group that needs to show that they can assume starting roles in the next 12-18 months. If they do not, the Seahawks will need to look at drafting players that can.

Top candidates at DE in the 2022 draft look like they could be

  1. Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oregon)
  2. Drake Jackson (USC)
  3. George Karlaftis (Purdue)
  4. Zach Harrison (Ohio State)
  5. Aidan Hutchinson (Michigan)

Thibodeaux is another exciting prospect to look out for.

Linebackers

  • Bobby Wagner – 30 – 2023
  • Ben Burr-Kirven – 23 – 2023
  • Jordyn Brooks – 23 – 2025
  • Cody Barton – 24 – 2023
  • John Rhattigan – 22 – 2024 (RFA)
  • Nate Evans – 23 – 2023 (ERFA)

If Brooks and Burr-Kirven progress in 2021 as I expect them to, then the only longer-term need here is for life beyond Bobby Wagner. If Wagner continues to be an elite linebacker through the next two seasons, he will get another contract, so there is no urgency at LB but drafting one in the next couple of drafts would be nice to have.

Top LB Candidates in the 2022 draft currently look to be

  1. Christian Harris (Alabama)
  2. Ventrel Miller (Florida)
  3. Brenton Cox (Florida)
  4. Shane Lee (Alabama
  5. Damone Clark (LSU)
  6. Jahad Woods (Washington State)
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