2022 NFL draft NFC West winners and losers and where the Seahawks fall

Winner: Seattle Seahawks

Biggest Needs: QB, OT, DE, LB, CB

Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 9): LT Charles Cross, Mississippi State — Seattle found their new anchor of the offensive line. 

A relatively weak quarterback class left many guessing what the Seattle Seahawks would do with the 9th overall pick in the draft. To say it is weak may be an unfair statement as many would not have expected Russell Wilson to blossom into the star that he is today when the Seahawks took him back in 3rd round of the 2012 draft. Nonetheless, Seattle decided to stay put with their current quarterback room and use their picks on other needs.

Seamlessly doing so might I add. The Seahawks didn’t trade down until the 5th round in which they made a minor deal with the Chiefs. They had a clear vision of how they wanted to address the draft and executed that vision with precision. I believe the Seahawks took a step in the right direction as they walk away as one of the biggest winners of this draft.

Seattle Seahawks draft 2 offensive linemen with their first 4 picks

It is no secret that this Seahawks offensive line failed to adequately protect Russell Wilson in years past. Similar to Pete Carroll and John Schneider’s first draft in Seattle (2010), they expended a top 9 pick on an offensive lineman. They got their anchor in LT Charles Cross out of Mississippi State. He comes into this league polished after competing against high-level competition in the SEC.

In the third round, the Seattle Seahawks solidified their effort in rebuilding this offensive line by selecting T Abraham Lucas out of Washington State. An athletic, versatile player with experience playing both tackle positions who has a legit shot of starting at right tackle.

Both Cross and Lucas come into the league as polished pass protectors, coming from pass-heavy schemes so they will have to work on their run blocking. Regardless, this offensive line has a bright future.

Steal of the Draft: Round 4 (Pick 109): CB Cody Bryant, Cincinnati

After losing D.J. Reed, the Seahawks sought a potential replacement in this draft. Recipient of the Jim Thorpe award, Coby Bryant – yes, he is named after the late great Kobe Bryant–was categorized as one of the top defensive backs in the nation. His mamba mentality greatly contributes to his game. He is physical and instinctive and I was shocked he fell to Seattle in the 4th round.

Biggest Takeaway: The Pete Carroll Special

The emphasis on dominating up front was obvious for the Seahawks in this draft. Boya Mafe out of Minnesota was a great get in the 2nd round. He has a high ceiling and can make an immense contribution to this newly formed defensive line.

The two offensive linemen alluded to early will help establish the run, which will feature the newly acquired Kenneth Walker III out of Michigan State. Seattle’s intentions are clear: establish the run & dominant up front on both sides of the ball. The Pete Carroll special.