Seahawks Steals: Trio Ranked Among Decade's Best Draft Moves
There is undoubtedly an excitement factor when a team lands a big fish in free agency or swings a blockbuster trade for a proven superstar, all part of building a roster capable of making a deep playoff run.
However, it is arguably far more fulfilling to build a team through the draft and sustain a core of talent over a period of time. That's the path the Seattle Seahawks have taken, establishing franchise cornerstones through savvy drafting - so much so that two of their draft picks landed on ESPN's 50 biggest draft steals of the last decade.
It should be mentioned, though, that three current Seahawks found themselves on the list. While they drafted the receiver duo of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett themselves, safety Quandre Diggs started his career with the Detroit Lions.
Their two homegrown picks on the list, Metcalf and Lockett, came in at No. 34 and No. 39, respectively. The Seahawks were able to land Lockett in the third round of the 2015 Draft, bringing in one of the best receivers in franchise history.
Just four years later they struck gold once again, landing Metcalf in the second round of the 2019 Draft. While Metcalf fell out of the first round due to injury concerns, Seattle had no issue selecting the big-bodied and electric receiver.
In their four seasons together they have cemented themselves as one of the best receiver duos in the NFL, hauling in a combined 645 receptions for 8,537 receiving yards and 70 touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Diggs' career started off with a bang as well in Detroit. Through his first five seasons with the Lions he recorded 215 tackles while also snagging six interceptions - which landed him at No. 42 in the rankings.
He didn't miss a beat when traded to the Seahawks during the 2019 season, quickly becoming one of the most important members of Seattle's defensive backfield. After four years with the Seahawks, Diggs has recorded 229 tackles and taken a massive leap in his ballhawking ability, coming away with 17 interceptions.
Landing the big fish, whether through free agency or a trade, brings a certain level of energy to a team. Winning consistently, though, comes from a strong draft process - one the Seahawks have managed to perfect.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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