A deep look at the best NFL Draft class ever by the Seahawks

Two Hall of Famers join the Seahawks in the early ’90s

Seattle launched the new millennium with a terrific receiver in Darrell Jackson. He ranks sixth in receptions, fifth in yards, and fourth in touchdowns. I’d say that’s pretty significant. Listen, no one is going to catch Steve Largent, but it’s a shame that his career has been overshadowed over the past few years. No, he didn’t have a Hall of Fame career, but he was a great player for the Hawks.

Still, he pales in comparison to the Seahawks first-round pick that year, the incomparable Shaun Alexander. I find it hilarious that 18 players were picked ahead of him. All 12s, even the newest members of the club, understand his greatness. If you need a reminder, just check my argument for his induction into the Hall of Fame.

In 2001, the Hawks added a player who already punched his ticket to the Hall of Fame, guard Steve Hutchinson. Only three of his seven Pro Bowl appearances came with Seattle, but he’s still a legend for the Seahawks. Putting him together with Walter Jones, the Hawks offensive line was devastating. Make no mistake, Shaun Alexander was one of the league’s best ever, but he didn’t get all those yards running behind a Swiss cheese line. Jones and Hutchinson were absolute terrors on the O-line.

2002 added no one of major consequence, but 2003 saw Seattle add one of the top Seahawks ever in corner Marcus Trufant. That’s right, we’ve found the man who leads Hawks in pass defenses, with 112. He also ranks seventh in interceptions and solo tackles, and his two defensive TDs tie him for sixth with about a million other Hawks. Imagine how nasty the Legion of Boom would have been if Trufant had come into the league ten years later. Seattle didn’t pick up much in 2004, which leaves us with only four top players in 47 picks. Those four included two Hall of Famers, but the depth was abysmal.