Seahawks second-round draft picks: A history of huge hits and major misses

Hey, they can't all be winners for the Seahawks: 2015-2018

Hey, remember when I said we'd get back to that rookie who broke out after his three-sack season? Yeah, I'm pretty sure most of you knew I was talking about Frank Clark, the Seahawks' second-round selection in 2015. The rumor mills are burning up about a return to the Emerald City for Number 55, but for now, let's look at what he's done so far.

There's no doubt Clark's a terror in the postseason, but you have to get there first. In the past couple of years in Kansas City, Clark's production has dropped off. His slow start in Seattle hurt his career numbers as well. In Clark's case, I really should adjust his points per game, as he's always been a situational player. Even in his best seasons, he's only been on the field for 75 percent of the snaps. You know what, Frank? I like you, man, so I'm doing it. It's my article.

Besides, I just got through saying that Britt basically never took a play off, and if Tate and Richardson were better players, they'd have gotten more snaps. Ah...but if you were a more complete player, you'd be on the field for more snaps, too, Frank. No adjustment! Thanks for indulging me in my imaginary conversation with Frank, a very large and powerful man who I absolutely respect, in case you're reading this, Frank. Anyway, Clark's average points per season come in at 7.6. Hmmm... I see a theme developing.

2016 brought us another player who took a year to break through, then became a steady contributor over his career. Unlike Clark, Jarran Reed is already back in the fold where he belongs. Much like Clark, Reed contributed as a rookie, then played a bigger role in his second season. Unlike the pass rush specialist, Reed's really big year didn't happen until his third season in Seattle.

As most of us knew, the expectations that Reed would break double digits in sacks again were ridiculous and truly unfair to Reed. Come on guys, if Cortez Kennedy couldn't do it twice, a mere mortal couldn't do it either. Nothing wrong with being mortal, when you play as well as Reed. By the way, Jarran, if you're reading, I'd be thrilled if you proved me wrong. So far, Reed has averaged 6.8 average value points. Finally, the spell is broken! Oh, that makes Reed pretty good. And for those of you wondering, Cortez Kennedy brought home 11.4 average value points per game over his stellar career.

Ah, it's 2017 and we've arrived at another problematic pick. And by problematic, I mean disastrous. Yes, all good 12s know I'm talking about Malik McDowell. He's currently a free agent, woo hoo. For the record - not his legal record, this article is long enough as it is - McDowell's average value per game will undoubtedly remain forever at 6.4. Of course, in this case, we need the caveat. Had McDowell been available to play with any semblance of normal expectations, he wouldn't have only played in 15 games. Considering those 15 games were for the Browns, McDowell contributed nothing to the Seattle organization. Okay, maybe a healthy skepticism of Jalen Carter is contribution enough.

The Seahawks' other second-round draft pick of 2017 has now completed 70 games in the league. See, that's what's supposed to happen. That player is offensive lineman Ethan Pocic. I would say center Ethan Pocic, the position he admirably filled for the Browns in 2022, but the Hawks had Pocic play all over the line.

I wouldn't swear to it in court, but I think I saw him line up in the slot a couple of times on both sides of the ball. Anyway, Pocic's career was certainly hampered by injuries in 2018 and 2019, as his combined appearances fell short of his rookie season alone. His season average comes in at 5.9 points. Compared to the players we've seen so far, I'd say that's a very fair assessment of his value.