The John Schneider era began with the Seattle Seahawks in 2010. This was also coupled with Pete Carroll's arrival, of course. Between 2010 and 2023, Carroll had final say over all roster moves, so the last two seasons have seen Schneider have more power. Will he do as good a job with it as Carroll did in his early seasons with the team?
So far, not so much. The good thing is that Seattle's general manager was part of those first few years, which were magical, especially in terms of striking gold with draft picks. Even fifth-rounders likely turned into future Pro Football Hall of Famers.
But who are the best choices in the Schneider era (and yes, with a big thanks to Carroll)? There are loads of good ones, though the drafts weren't quite as good between 2017 and 2021. But these might be for the four best.
Four most impactful Seattle Seahawks draft picks in the John Schneider era
Russell Wilson - Quarterback, third round in 2012 draft
- First-Team All-Pro teams: 0
- Pro Bowls: 9 with Seattle
As divisive as Wilson is now (or, at least, was a couple of seasons ago among 12s), there is little argument that he is the best quarterback in franchise history. He has the highest quarterback rating, more touchdown passes, the lowest interception percentage, the most wins, and, most importantly, was the quarterback during the team's lone championship run.
The part that tarnishes his legacy is, of course, his going to Seahawks owner Jody Allen and reportedly asking Schneider and Carroll to be fired. His ego was always a bit too big. But where would Seattle have been without him between 2012 and 2017, specifically? Lost.
Richard Sherman - Cornerback, fifth round in 2011 draft
- First-Team All-Pro teams: 3
- Pro Bowls: 4 with Seattle
Sherman had kind of the same issue that Wilson did at the end of his Seahawks run. He might not have gone to ownership and tried to make changes, but he was becoming a more vocal critic on the sidelines about what was happening during any given game. He remains (joyfully) bombastic in his post-NFL career as a podcaster.
Between 2012 and 2017, Sherman was arguably the best cornerback in the league. He was fantastic in coverage, essentially shutting down one side of the field for opponents, and he was imposing while playing the run. He was a physical force that is rare in the pantheon of NFL CBs, and he should be in the Hall of Fame soon. Plus, those 16 interceptions combined in his second and third seasons were special.
Bobby Wagner - Linebacker, second round in 2012 draft
- First-Team All-Pro teams: 6
- Pro Bowls: 9 with Seattle
The best linebacker in the history of the NFL? Maybe. He is undoubtedly in the top five and has had a sustained run of success, even after leaving Seattle twice. In his first season with the Washington Commanders in 2024, he was named Second-Team All-Pro, his 11th straight year of being a First- or Second-Team selection.
But he will always be remembered as a Seahawk first. In the early years of the Legion of Boom, Wagner was perhaps the team's best player, though not nearly as vocal as players like Sherman. His absence was felt in 2014 when he missed five games, but in the games he did play, the defense allowed fewer than 10 points a game.
He has always had good speed and great strength, but the best part of his game might be his football IQ. He seems to know what an offense is going to run before the ball is snapped. He should have his Seahawks jersey retired when his career is done.
Earl Thomas - Safety. first round in 2010 draft
- First-Team All-Pro teams: 3
- Pro Bowls: 6 with Seattle
Thomas was an enigma. He sometimes made little sense in interviews, though he was likely fully aware of what he was saying. He had his own way, and that wasn't always for the best. His last act as a Seahawk was flipping off the sidelines after getting injured and being carted off the field in Week 4 of the 2018 season.
He was a must-have for the Legion of Boom, though. His elite speed and closing ability allowed fellow safety Kam Chancellor to crunch the line of scrimmage. This forced teams to abandon the run many times, but teams were not successful throwing deep because of Thomas. He had five interceptions in a season three times with the Seahawks.