Seattle Seahawks 2022 Mock Draft 2.0: Pass rush help with the first pick
By Jake Luppino
Round 2, Pick 41
One of the many disappointments in the 2021-2022 regular season was the Seattle Seahawks pass rush. The numbers were inflated towards the home stretch as Carlos Dunlap finally picked up his play. But, given his current age and number of snaps, Seattle asks a lot of him. Rasheem Green and Darrell Taylor also finished with impressive years. What they are missing is a dominant pass rusher who can consistently get home.
DE Cameron Thomas out of San Diego State appears to be that guy. He has received comparisons to J.J. Watt and projected number 1 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Aidan Hutchinson. He finished the 2021 college season with 11.5 sacks, 30 solo tackles and 1 forced fumble. Some have him projected to go in the first round, but I can see Seattle getting him with their first pick in the 2022 draft.
At 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, his size, speed, power and athleticism can make an immediate impact on this defensive line. His ability to win one-on-ones will make an immense difference on a defense whose number 1 priority is to generate more pressure with just rushing four. With the playoffs currently going on, the one commonality between all of the remaining teams is that they have an effective pass rush. An efficient pass rush also compliments a young secondary as they aren’t guarding their man for more than 5 seconds.
Thomas fits what Seattle is currently looking for. It will also enable veterans like Carlos Dunlap and Kerry Hyder who can become rotational guys and have fresh legs on crucial third downs. Darrell Taylor and Cameron Thomas as a potential duo for years to come in Seattle is a pretty sight.