With the regular season officially over, the Seattle Seahawks can now turn their full attention to addressing the needs of their roster and getting better for next year. There has also been clarity on the future of this organization with it being announced that Pete Carroll and John Schneider will be under the helm for the 2022 season.
While questions still loom around Russell Wilson’s future in Seattle, it is worth noting that Wilson himself has stated time after time that he wants to finish his career as a Seahawk. In fact, what the Seattle Seahawks do in the draft and free agency may even revolve around him. After a disappointing 2021 season, my guess is Seattle will be displaying a high sense of urgency throughout the offseason to improve this roster.
They certainly have the pieces to contend, but with a few more additions, they can solidify their spot as one of the powerhouses in the NFC. The 2022 draft presents an interesting opportunity for the Seahawks. The good news is that it is a weak quarterback draft class, meaning there is less urgency to trade Wilson for a top pick, hoping to draft his replacement. Even better, this draft class is loaded with talent in positions of need for the Seahawks.
Seattle Seahawks Mock Draft 2.0: Needs over Wants
Last year with their first selection of the draft, the Seattle Seahawks elected WR Dee Eskridge. They took a position that wasn’t of much need, rather, just to add to the weaponry they already had. As the season progressed with more teams really honing in on Lockett and Metcalf, it made sense as to why Seattle wanted another weapon. But, they passed up on some offensive linemen who could have made an immediate impact on this team.
For the 2022 draft, Seattle should focus on its three biggest needs:
Offensive Line: Protecting Russell Wilson should always be the number 1 priority for this team. With an aging Duane Brown and Gabe Jackson, it is important Seattle invests in this position group.
Defensive Line: In 2021, Seattle struggled in consistently getting to the quarterback. While they certainly have young pieces with high upside, it never hurts to add more firepower.
Defensive Back: Adding depth at this position not only allows Seattle to prepare for injuries, but also gives them reassurance in a position that they are still trying to figure out since the Legion of Boom.
Here is my second edition of the Seattle Seahawks 2022 Mock Draft.
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.
Round 3, Pick 72
In my first mock draft edition, I had the Seattle Seahawks selecting an offensive lineman in the 2nd round. But, this time around with the defensive line being a bigger need, I see the Seahawks selecting an offensive lineman in the third round. Over the last month or so of the season, the Seahawks might have found a solid front five to protect Russell Wilson.
Although LT Duane Brown is a free agent, I do believe there is mutual interest for a return. RT Brandon Shell is also a free agent, although, the emergence of Jake Curhan may have cost Shell his starting position. On the interior, there is Damien Lewis, Ethan Pocic and Gabe Jackson. G Phil Haynes got some starts late in the season and showed some promise. What Seattle may want to look for is some depth to add to this offensive line with the potential of becoming a starter.
That is why I have them selecting OT Max Mitchell in the third round. At 6-foot-6, nearly 300 pounds, Mitchell has experience playing both tackle positions throughout his collegiate career. More so, at Louisiana-Lafayette, he was featured in a run-first offense where he excelled in cutting the backside of runs and getting to the second level quickly. Something we saw Seattle do towards the home stretch of the season, incorporating trap run schemes with Rashaad Penny.
Being a third round selection and Coach Carroll known for his competitive environment at practices, Mitchell would have a chance to earn the starting position. Seattle has some versatility on their current offensive line. We have seen Curhan play guard — even though he is better at tackle — and Lewis start at center. Regardless of whether he’s a day one starter or not, Mitchell’s strong suit blends in well with what Seattle is going to want to do with both Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny if Penny were to return.
Round 4, Pick 105 (via NYJ)
An interesting storyline surrounding the Seattle Seahawks throughout their disappointing 2021 regular season was the future of MLB Bobby Wagner. While he is certainly showing no signs of regression, he is getting older in age and does have a hefty contract. I personally don’t think the Seahawks will look to move off of him as they believe they currently have a Super Bowl contending roster.
Although Cody Barton impressed in the last two weeks, I still see Seattle drafting a linebacker to eventually replace Wagner. JoJo Domann out of Nebraska has been climbing his way up the draft broad. Being a former safety, he enters the draft as one of the best coverage linebackers. That factor alone makes him a good fit for this cover-three Seattle defense. While he is known for being an outside linebacker, I think his versatility will allow Seattle to transition him into being a middle linebacker, as they did with Cody Barton. He certainly has the speed and the tackling ability to play the position at a high level. Start him on special teams and let him learn behind the best linebacker in football.
Pick 112
Outside of the aging veterans in Duane Brown and Gabe Jackson on the offensive line, perhaps their biggest weakness is C Ethan Pocic. Seattle has been pretty patient with him, but I think most would agree that the Seahawks need a new starting center. One of my duplicate picks from my first edition is G Dohnovan West out of Arizona State. Only this time, I have the Seahawks taking him in the 4th round rather than the 5th round.
Do not be surprised if Seattle were to trade the 112th pick for more picks later in the draft as I believe they can acquire West a little later in the 4th round. Regardless, West has shown the ability to play the center position and can even take on the role that Curhan did last year. Sit on the bench and then, when your opportunity arises, seize it. He will need some tweaking but will have the veteran leadership around him to help him learn and grow as the season progresses.
Round 5, Pick 151
Safety Jalen Pitre out of Baylor can do it all on the defensive end. Although he is undersized for his position at 6-foot, 197 pounds, he is extremely physical. He has great instincts for the ball and shows no fear when playing in the box. On the surface, he is really intriguing for Seattle as we have seen them use Jamal Adams in all facets on the defensive end. Pitre can be used in a similar fashion up in the box, dropping back into coverage and even, playing the nickel spot.
The Seahawks have a lot of depth with their safeties. Although Diggs is a free agent, I think most expect him to be back. Jamal Adams and Marquise Blair will be returning from their injuries as well as Ryan Neal. Unfortunately, health has been a factor at this position as we have gotten into the later portions of the season and I think that’s why Pitre is the best pick for them at this spot in the draft.
Round 7, Pick 225
With their final pick in the draft, I have the Seattle Seahawks taking Jalen Green out of Mississippi State. Over the years, Seattle has been known for snatching up late-round picks who eventually make a pretty big impact on their team. In this case, Jalen Green might be one of those guys. He has a lot to work on, in particular, his coverage skills. But, he can be molded by Pete Carroll into a better cornerback.
We saw Seattle try to do something like this with Tre Flowers when they took him out of Oklahoma State. Although it didn’t work out, I can see Seattle has a similar mindset here. Green is 6-foot-1, nearly 200 pounds. He is known for being physical at the line and when making a tackle. Combine that with his speed, and Seattle will have the ingredients to convert this young man into a pretty solid cornerback.