Seahawks 2022 Pre-Draft Top-30 Visit Tracker

As teams wrap up their evaluation process for this year's draft, the Seahawks have started bringing in prospects for top-30 visits. Which players reportedly have visited or are scheduled to visit the VMAC?

With the 2022 NFL Draft now just three weeks away, the Seahawks and all 32 NFL teams are in the midst of conducting their pre-draft top-30 visits. In this process, each team can bring in up to 30 players to their respective facilities for interviews and meetings with coaches as well as medical examinations and physicals.

While these on-site meetings are only part of the evaluation process leading up to the three-day event, they can play a critical role in determining where each player ends up on draft weekend. In the past, Seattle drafted defensive end L.J. Collier, defensive tackle Malik McDowell, defensive end Frank Clark, tackle Rees Odhiambo, and several others after the prospects attended the VMAC for private workouts on top-30 visits, so they certainly aren't insignificant.

Keeping that in mind, here's a look at the players who reportedly have already met with the Seahawks or are scheduled to workout on top-30 visits before the draft:

Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

Per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Seahawks will meet with Ridder on Wednesday, April 13 as the rising quarterback prospect makes rounds.

Scouting Report: While Ridder doesn't have a cannon for an arm compared to other top signal callers in this class and battled occasional lapses in accuracy in college, the former Bearcats star checks off every other box Seattle looks for under center. He works through his progressions, manipulates defenders with his eyes, and does an outstanding job throwing receivers open with plus-anticipation skills, threading the needle by firing strikes into tight windows. He's poised in the pocket, makes smart choices with the football, and has the ability to create as a scrambler with 4.52 40-yard dash speed. After lifting Cincinnati to national relevance as a four-year starter, he may be the most pro-ready prospect at the position in this class and could battle Drew Lock for a starting job right away.

Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Per Wilson, the Seahawks planned to have Gardner in for a top-30 visit as a potential target with pick No. 9 in the first round. It remains unknown if the visit has happened yet or not.

Scouting Report: One of the elite prospects in this draft class, Gardner evolved into the best cornerback in college football over the past three seasons for the Bearcats. Possessing rare size, length, and athletic traits at 6-foot-3 with 4.41 40-yard dash speed, he's an aggressive, physical corner who presses opposing receivers into oblivion at the line of scrimmage and excels at taking away the deep ball. Able to dominate in zone and man coverages, he didn't allow a single touchdown in coverage during his college career and despite rarely being targeted, he produced nine interceptions and took two of them back for six points, displaying outstanding ball skills when quarterbacks tested him. He's not the most fluid athlete changing directions and his technical lapses can occasionally lead to him getting grabby, which could cause penalty issues in the NFL. Otherwise, however, he's as complete of a corner prospect as you'll find coming into the draft and would start on day one for the Seahawks.

Boye Mafe, DE, Minnesota

Per Mafe's Instagram account, the fast-rising EDGE rusher flew into Seattle on April 12 and per sources, he will be taking a top-30 visit with the Seahawks this week.

Scouting Report: After playing sparingly in his first two seasons with the Golden Gophers, Mafe broke out with 4.5 sacks in just six games during a COVID-shortened 2020 season. As a senior, he registered 34 tackles, 7.0 sacks, and 10 tackles for loss while earning Third-Team All-Big Ten recognition. Boasting an elite first step and top-tier burst off the edge, Mafe dominated at Mobile during the Senior Bowl, displaying better-than-anticipated hand technique shedding blocks and producing a pair of sacks in the exhibition game. While he's still a raw talent and needs work as a run defender, he would bring much-needed juice to Seattle's pass rush and his comfort dropping into coverage makes him an intriguing 3-4 outside linebacker candidate.

Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State

According to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network, the Seahawks have scheduled an upcoming visit with Walker, a three-year starter at left tackle for the Nittany Lions.

Scouting Report: Displaying light feet in pass protection, Walker mirrors rushers well and changes direction exceptionally for a player of his size, allowing him to hold up well against speed rushes as well as twists and stunts. While he can get himself into trouble lunging while trying to land his punch into opposing defenders and leaves himself susceptible to inside counters at times, he generally exhibits good hand technique and sets a firm anchor against bull rushes. In the run game, he doesn't consistently knock defenders off the football, but he excels at redirecting and sealing defenders through body position and understands how to finish blocks, which should bode well for him in a zone-heavy scheme. He'd likely start his career battling Jake Curhan for the starting right tackle job with the potential to be Duane Brown's eventual successor protecting the blind side.

Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

Per Josh Norris of Underdog Fantasy, Cine, a key contributor in the secondary for the defending champion Bulldogs, met with the Seahawks on April 18. He produced 73 tackles, an interception, and eight pass breakups as a junior in 2021.

Scouting Report: Checking off all the boxes in terms of athleticism and production, the 6-foot-2 Cine ran a blazing 4.37 40-yard dash at the combine, which helped move him into the first-round discussion. He doesn't always play that speed in coverage, as he plays at his best in two-deep, split-safety looks and can get fooled by quarterbacks who bait him with their eyes. But he's an aggressive, downhill tackler who excels playing near the line of scrimmage defending the run and has enough size and quickness to be a quality matchup defender against tight ends, running backs, and bigger bodied slot receivers. He won't be a great scheme fit for teams that run a lot of Cover 3 and single-deep coverages if asked to play center field, but offers enough versatility to be a long-term starter for two-deep heavy schemes. After re-signing Quandre Diggs in March, he seems like an unlikely target for Seattle.

Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

Thanks to the observation of several fans on Instagram, a video from Percy Butler's profile indicated Watson was also in town for a top-30 visit with the Seahawks on April 12. The Senior Bowl invitee earned Second-Team All-American honors at the FCS level for the Bison.

Scouting Report: An intriguing traits-based prospect, the 6-foot-5 Watson ran a 4.36 40-yard dash and posted a 38 1/2-inch vertical jump at the NFL combine, wowing scouts in the process. He needs to improve at high-pointing the football and maximizing his height advantage over corners and won't dominate opponents in the quick passing game with average change of direction skills. However, with his elite speed and size, he has the potential to be a dynamic downfield threat early in his NFL career and could evolve into a potential No. 2 receiver with more polish as a route runner along with fewer drops. He also returned kicks in college and could carve out a role on special teams.

Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska

According to Josh Norris of Underdog Fantasy, Taylor-Britt visited with the Seahawks on April 12. He earned a Second-Team All-Big Ten selection for the Cornhuskers in 2021.

Scouting Report: Taylor-Britt has a penchant for getting his hands on the football and finished his career in Lincoln with five interceptions, a defensive touchdown, and 21 passes defensed. While he measured in smaller at the combine than expected at 5-foot-11, 196 pounds, he plays bigger than his size when thrust into jump ball situations. He has the athleticism (4.38 40-yard dash) to become a quality man cover corner, but he will enter the league better known for his prowess in zone and has had his share of mishaps getting toasted with double moves. Tackling remains his biggest area of concern and he will have to clean that up quickly to carve out a role in the NFL, but he has the traits and skills to push for playing time early.

Cole Strange, G/C, Chattanooga

Per Justin Melo of the Draft Network, the Seahawks will bring Chattanooga lineman Cole Strange for a top-30 visit. The team already met with him at the Senior Bowl back in February.

Scouting Report: The 307-pound Strange isn't a mauler and won't consistently bully defenders in the run game. He also can get drove back with power rushes on occasion. However, he's an excellent athlete for his size, as he finished first among linemen in the broad jump, finished in the top five in the 3-cone, and posted a respectable 5.03-second 40-yard dash at the combine. He excels at winning the positional battle with plus-lateral quickness and his footwork and hands work well in unison as a zone blocker. Since he played guard at an FCS school, he may need seasoning before he can play, but he flashed enough upside at the Senior Bowl to suggest he could be a future starter.

Romeo Doubs, WR, Nevada

Per Justin Melo of Draft Network, Seattle recently brought Doubs in for a top-30 visit. The dynamic receiver/punt returner scored 20 touchdowns in his final two seasons with the Wolf Pack.

Scouting Report: A straight line speedster who excels at reeling in the deep ball, Doubs surpassed 1,000 yards each of his final two seasons at Nevada. Tough at the catch point, he offers quality NFL size at 6-foot-2, 201 pounds and while he didn't get to test at the combine due to injury, he possesses quality speed to create separation downfield. At times, he was a bit of a one-trick pony for the Wolf Pack and he will have to develop as a route runner to carve out an extensive role on offense, but his soft hands, ability to high-point and pluck the football out of the air, and special teams versatility should give him a chance to make an impact right away for whoever drafts him. Considering Seattle's need for a long-term punt return option and desire to connect on vertical throws, he would be an intriguing day three fit.

Kalon Barnes, CB, Baylor

According to Wilson and a team source, the Seahawks have the speedy Barnes scheduled for a top-30 visit on the week of April 11.

Scouting Report: Possessing blistering speed as a former Texas state champion in the 100 and 200-meter dash, Barnes set a new NFL combine record for defensive backs with a 4.23-second 40-yard dash, the second-fastest recorded time at the event. His elite burners have helped him compensate for raw technique in coverage, as he struggles to press receivers at the line and has much work left to do improving at tracking the football through the air, particularly on deep routes where he was exposed at times in 2021. At only 183 pounds, he's not a consistent tackler at this point either. Due to his athletic traits and untapped potential if coached up properly, he could be worth a late day three flier as a developmental prospect.

Micheal Clemons, DE/LB, Texas A&M

Per Brady Henderson of ESPN, Seattle has a visit with Clemons on tap for next week. He's coming off a career year for the Aggies with 7.0 sacks and 11 tackles for loss.

Scouting Report: A former JUCO recruit, Clemons battled injuries early in his time at College Station and then received a suspension for the season opener in 2021 after being arrested on charges of marijuana possession and unlawful carrying of a firearm. With those durability and character questions aside, at 6-foot-5, 263 pounds, he has the ideal frame to play defensive end or hybrid linebacker in a 3-4 front and plays bigger than his size suggests. He wins at the point of attack with powerful hands and long arms, allowing him to create separation to deploy a number of quality counter moves, with his chop-to-rip being his most effective. His lateral movement and overall agility leave something to be desired, casting doubts about his ability to drop into coverage. But he could be a candidate to bulk up a bit more to play defensive end with his power and pass rushing upside.

Ty Chandler, RB, North Carolina

According to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network, Chandler visited with the Seahawks and 49ers last week as he made his tour of the NFC West. Eclipsing 1,000 yards and scoring 14 total touchdowns for the Tar Heels, he received Second-Team All-ACC honors last season.

Scouting Report: A patient runner with excellent top speed, Chandler took advantage of his opportunity for more carries at North Carolina after being a change of pace back at Tennessee in his first four collegiate seasons. At 204 pounds, he isn't a punishing runner who creates much yardage after contact, but he can slip through arm tackles and make defenders miss at the second level. While he likely won't be a feature back in the NFL, his plus-route running skills and proficiency as a receiver coupled with his kick returning background could make him a viable third down weapon for whoever drafts him. From Seattle's perspective, he would compete against Travis Homer and DeeJay Dallas for a roster spot in training camp.

Percy Butler, S, Louisiana Lafayette

According to Mike Kaye of Pro Football Network, the Seahawks have scheduled a visit with Butler, a Second-Team All-Sun Belt selection in 2021.

Scouting Report: Inconsistent in coverage, particularly when manned up, Butler has been liable to get caught staring into the backfield against play action as well, leading to some big plays downfield. But while he only had three interceptions, he maximized on his speed and length to break up 13 passes in four seasons with the Ragin' Cajuns and in spurts, he was a dynamic hitter flying up from his safety position to bring down ball carriers in the alley. At this stage, he looks to be a day three developmental prospect who could make an impact right away on special teams where he has previously excelled as a gunner on punt coverage. In Seattle, he could fill a role previously held by players such as Neiko Thorpe while being a defensive understudy to Quandre Diggs.

Armani Rogers, TE, Ohio

According to Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network, Rodgers already met with the Seahawks on one of their top-30 visits. Though he didn't get invited to the combine, he's drawn interest from numerous teams in the pre-draft process.

Scouting Report: Spending time at UNLV and Ohio collegiately, Rogers rotated in at quarterback, rushing for over 2,200 yards and 27 touchdowns while adding 19 touchdowns as a passer. He ran an impressive 4.56 second 40-yard dash at UCLA's pro day at 233 pounds and could develop into a possible mismatch problem as a receiving tight end. However, he didn't play the position at all in college and has two catches to his name, so he's going to need seasoning before he has a chance to play on Sundays. Most likely, he's a priority undrafted free agent to take a flier on with hopes he can develop on the practice squad for a year or two.

Samori Toure, WR, Nebraska

Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Toure has visits scheduled with at least five teams, including the Seahawks. The former Cornhusker participated in the East/West Shrine Game in January.

Scouting Report: One of the most productive receivers at the FCS level starring at Montana to begin his career, Toure produced 155 receptions for 2,488 yards and 20 touchdowns. He made his way to Lincoln as a graduate transfer in 2021 and remained productive, catching 46 passes for 898 yards and five touchdowns in his lone season at the FBS level. A crafty route runner at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, he can run the full route tree from the slot or the outside and performed at his best as a vertical threat at the college level, scoring two touchdowns of 70-plus yards last season. He won't break many tackles after the catch and doesn't have great change of direction skills necessary to be a dominant slot in the short-to-intermediate game, but his big play capabilities, underrated speed, and reliable hands could make him a viable third or fourth receiver in the league.

Cameron Goode, LB, California

Per Wilson, Goode met with the Seahawks for one of his top-30 visits on April 12 along with several other prospects. He was named a Second-Team All-Pac 12 selection following the 2021 season.

Scouting Report: A pass-rushing outside linebacker, Goode had a highly-productive 2019 season for the Bears with 9.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. He came close to replicating that production with 6.5 sacks as a senior last season. He has good speed rushing off the edge from a two-point stance and showed off his explosiveness with a 39-inch vertical jump at his pro day workout, but at under 235 pounds, he's going to be hard pressed to play that role as more than a situational defender. If he's able to make the transition to an off-ball linebacker spot or play special teams, he has a chance to stick in an NFL camp as a late round pick or undrafted free agent.

Deontai Williams, S, Nebraska

Yet another player whose whereabouts were discovered on Instagram videos, Williams was at CenturyLink Field as part of his visit with the Seahawks on April 12.

Scouting Report: If not for injury issues, Williams would likely be entering the pre-draft process a bit more on the radar for NFL teams. However, he missed all but one game in 2019 and missed the final four games of his senior season with a knee injury. With limited action, he didn't have much production prior to breaking out with four interceptions in just eight games in 2021. Those ball skills and his 6-foot-1, 200-pound frame will intrigue teams, but he's been susceptible to giving up big plays in coverage and will likely have to carve out a role with a team as a special teams standout at the next level. He could potentially be a late day three selection.

La'Kendrick Van Zandt, S, TCU

According to Wilson, Van Zandt met with the Seahawks and at least two other teams on top-30 visits earlier this month. He registered 38 tackles and a sack in 12 games for the Horned Frogs in 2021.

Scouting Report: Stuck behind future first-round pick Trevon Moehrig and battling injuries, Van Zandt had to wait his turn to star in the secondary at TCU. He finally entered the starting lineup as a junior in 2020, earning Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors after recording 43 tackles and a pair of interceptions. While his production dipped some as a senior and he allowed several big plays in coverage, the Henderson, Texas native has an intriguing blend of size (6-foot-2, 206 pounds) and athleticism (4.52 40-yard dash, 39 1/2-inch vertical jump) that could lead a team to take a late-round flier on him as a developmental safety at the next level. Seattle likely views him as a priority undrafted free agent candidate with special teams value.

Daniel Hardy, DE, Montana State

Per multiple reports, Hardy met with the Seahawks on April 8 as he continues his tour as one of the more intriguing FCS prospects in this year's draft class. He produced a whopping 16.5 sacks for the Bobcats in 2021 and could be on the radar as a late-round selection or priority undrafted free agent.

Dareke Young, WR, Lenoir Rhyne

As discovered through Instagram, Young was one of several receivers in attendance for a top-30 visit with the Seahawks on April 12. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound wideout caught 25 passes for 303 yards and four touchdowns as a senior for the Bears in 2021.

Rodney Thomas, S, Yale

Per his brother Xavier Thomas, Rodney Thomas was in Seattle for a top-30 visit this week. The former Ivy League star previously played linebacker for the Bulldogs, but he will be a strong safety going into the league. He capped off his college career with 50 tackles and two interceptions in 2021 before having a strong showing at his pro day with a 4.51 40-yard dash and 41-inch vertical.

Trevon Bradford, WR, Oregon State

Per his personal Instagram account, Bradford visited the Seahawks for a top-30 visit on April 14. A two-time Honorable Mention All-Pac 12 selection for the Beavers, he finished his college career with 151 receptions, 1,904 receiving yards, and 14 touchdowns while adding 259 rushing yards. At the next level, his best chance to make an NFL roster may be as a kick return specialist.

Joshua Onujiogu, EDGE, Framington State

According to Mike Reiss of ESPN, Onujiogu had top-30 visits with the Seahawks and Patriots earlier this month. A two-time Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound defender racked up 13.5 sacks and 25 tackles for loss for the Rams in 2021.

Danny Gray, WR, SMU

According to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network, Gray met with the Seahawks for one of his top-30 visits earlier this month. One of the fastest receivers in this class, he ran a 4.33 40-yard dash at the NFL combine in March and emerged as a weapon for the Mustangs last season, setting career-bests with 49 receptions for 803 yards and nine touchdowns.