The Seattle Seahawks had a solid 8-year streak where the first round of the draft just didn't seem to work out. In four of those years, the team didn't even have a top-32 selection. The hype, growth, and skill typically seen out of players in the first round of the draft didn't translate when taken by Seattle. I believe that truly started to change in 2020.
Although the team continued to be successful in the later rounds over those years, the first-round success got back on track when the team selected Jordyn Brooks out of Texas Tech with the 27th pick in the draft. Once seen as Bobby Wagner's replacement, Brooks has found himself a large role in Seattle's defense while pairing up with Wagner to form a dynamic tackling partnership.
Another year without a selection followed that, but 2022 proved to be successful as well. John Schneider and Pete Carroll found their cornerstone left tackle with the Broncos' No. 9 selection. Charles Cross was instantly starting by week one and didn't miss a single game the entire season.
Five players the Seattle Seahawks could take with their first choice in 2024 NFL Draft
And with a small sample size for the two 2023 first-rounders, it's already looking like the hot streak is still going. Devon Witherspoon and Jaxon Smith-Njigba have both been very productive in their rookie season. The Seahawks are beginning to build an elite young core that may only be a couple of pieces away from being something special.
The 2024 first-round mock drafts and draft boards that I've seen have shown a lot of depth and intriguing prospects. While currently sitting at 6-6, the Seahawks are expected to have their selection range from 12 to 23. Here are five potential prospects that Seattle should target for this upcoming draft.
No. 1 - Seahawks should take edge rusher Dallas Turner, Alabama
The Alabama product Dallas Turner will likely not be available by the time Seattle is on the clock, but if he falls down to them for some reason, he should be a top priority. Turner will be just 21 years old on draft day, but he brings one of the most unique pass-rushing skillsets in the class. Long, athletic, quick, all good edge-rushing qualities.
That's what Turner provides. The Seahawks have done well at constructing a productive front. To become one of the top defenses in the league, however, you can never have too many guys on your roster that can get to the quarterback.