Winners and losers from Seahawks 2022 draft, but mostly winners

Winner — Cody Barton

The Seahawks have never been shy about drafting linebackers highly; in the Carroll regime, LBs have been among the most consistently successful draft picks they have made. That they chose not to pursue a single one in this draft potentially speaks volumes about the faith they have in former third-round selection Cody Barton.

Barton, to this point in his career, has not lived up to expectation, to the point that Seattle was willing to waltz with Mychal Kendricks amidst a heap of insider trading charges to avoid starting him. In fairness to Barton, though, his natural position is middle linebacker, and Bobby Wagner was not about to give that spot up.

Barton may have earned his chance to be the starter in 2022 with his play in Seattle’s final game of 2021. With Wagner out due to injury, Barton stepped in and had 11 tackles, The week before, after Wagner had to leave the game, Barton played 62 snaps, had a tackle-for-loss and 7 tackles.

It’s possible that new defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt likes Barton’s fit better in the 3-4 scheme Seattle appears to be switching to — Barton is, after all, smaller than Wagner and was touted for his coverage prowess coming out of Utah, both of which would serve him well in a 3-4.