Grading every Seattle Seahawks first-round draft pick since 2010
By Jake Luppino
Seattle Seahawks 2010 Round 1, Pick 6 - LT Russell Okung
Russell Okung was instrumental in establishing a power-run offensive line. Ironically, this was the highest the Seahawks would pick in the draft until they acquired the 5th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft thanks to the Russell Wilson trade. In his first six years with the Seahawks, Okung made one Pro Bowl and of course, was a part of the 2013 Super Bowl-winning team.
Losing Okung in free agency was a tough blow to this offensive line. But, both Pete Carroll and John Schneider made a financial decision when letting him walk, ultimately resulting in him signing a deal with the Denver Broncos where Okung represented himself. Despite the penalty issues and injury bug that just kept biting him, he was a part of a unique culture shift not only in Seattle but in the entire NFL.
Grade: A
Seattle Seahawks 2010 Round 1, Pick 14 - S Earl Thomas III
What is it with the Seahawks getting 1st round picks from the Broncos? They were able to select Early Thomas III at 14th overall thanks to a 2009 trade made with Denver. Later on in this draft, the Seahawks would select Thomas' running mate, Kam Chancellor. This was the beginning of the Legion of Boom. Although Earl had some struggles in his rookie season, under the tutelage of Pete Carroll, he became one of the best safeties in the NFL.
The ultimate eraser, a multiple-time Pro-Bowler, and member of an AP All-Pro team, Earl Thomas is arguably one of the greatest safeties in the history of the Seahawks organization. While his tenure in Seattle did not end as many would have imagined, there is no denying the impact that Earl Thomas had on how defense was played with the Seahawks.