Analysis: 4 Prospects Seahawks Could Pick at No. 9 in 2022 NFL Draft
The Seahawks’ trade of Russell Wilson has placed the team in unfamiliar territory. Not only is the team without an elite franchise quarterback for the first time since 2011; general manager John Schneider is back picking in the top 10 of the draft for the first time since his inaugural year at the helm. It’s been over a decade since the Seahawks drafted left tackle Russell Okung sixth overall way back in 2010.
Now holding pick No. 9 as a result of the Wilson trade, this selection represents exciting possibilities to distract from the present’s troubling quarterback uncertainty. After countless draft simulations, here are four intriguing possibilities for the Seahawks to consider with that top-10 pick:
Desmond Ridder, Quarterback, Cincinnati
Ahmad Sauce Gardner, Cornerback, Cincinnati
Charles Cross, Offensive Tackle, Mississippi State
Jordan Davis, Defensive Tackle, Georgia
A swing-for-the-fences option is Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis. The 22-year old tested at the NFL Combine as the second-most athletic pound-for-pound player that we have ever seen (behind legendary Lions receiver Calvin Johnson).
Davis puts his anchor, pop, length, and strength to use taking on blocks in the run game. He is a real problem one-on-one and his best reps in the league may actually come from 3-technique or the big end role in Seattle, with Davis' explosiveness and agility making him a lethal penetrator. This is accentuated when stunting inside, something the Seahawks' pirate stunts allow their 3-tech to do.
Davis' block recognition was lacking at times. He is a double team problem and block controller, with some awesome mirror-step reps one-on-one where he is able to win back to his primary gap after playing heavy on his opponent, and this translates to Seattle big end play. However, Davis occasionally exposed his midriff versus doubles which saw him get pushed off his primary key. The Seahawks want their defensive tackles to stay-and-play square rather than turning to run down the line of scrimmage. Davis also failed to see through drop-the-knee opportunities, not getting down into it as an anchoring method.
Pass rush-wise, Davis had limited reps in college with the Georgia Bulldogs absolutely stacked with talent. Most of his opportunities arrived when he was playing as a clear nose tackle, meaning he was often double-teamed. For this reason, Davis' ability as a pass rusher feels largely untapped. His profile gives him frightening potential, especially when NFL teams get into their double 3-technique pass-rushing fronts and give Davis a one-on-one versus a guard.
Davis had college hash to college hash range in college and, if playing head-up nose tackle in Seattle's bear fronts, would be able to win into the backfield on outside zone away and run stuff down, almost becoming the run through player in the fit. We have already seen Al Woods and Poona Ford do stuff like this, but Davis would be able to take it to another level.
Davis at No. 9 may seem high given the areas he needs to improve on. What we are talking about here is a prospect who, if he puts in the work, can be a dominant interior player on all three downs. Don't overthink total disruption.