Seahawks 2022 Rookie Class Ranked Too Low?
The Seattle Seahawks' young talent undoubtedly helped them to a 9-8 finish and a run to the NFL Playoffs after missing the postseason in 2021. Seattle's rookies combined to start 70 games to help the team to its unexpected playoff berth. Only the Houston Texans had more rookie starts than the Seahawks.
The youth movement is strong in the NFL, with multiple rookies making major impacts in crucial moments. Unsurprisingly, the New York Jets had the best rookie class, according to NFL.com, with rookies Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson each earning a Rookie of the Year Honor.
How does the Seahawks' rookie class compare? Seattle's 2022-23 class ranked No. 3 of the 32 teams. Here is what NFL.com said of the Seahawks' rookies:
They addressed offensive tackle in a big way with Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, who started all but one game combined last season and hardly embarrassed themselves. Cross had a few rough patches, allowing seven sacks (per PFF) and committing nine penalties, but displayed enough promise to cast him as the left tackle for the foreseeable future. And Lucas used his college experience to provide surprisingly steady play on the right side, especially as a pass blocker.
Kenneth Walker III actually received more first-place votes for Offensive Rookie of the Year than winner Garrett Wilson, giving the Seahawks their latest tackle breaker in the backfield. Despite being brought along slowly at first and suffering a late-season ankle injury, Walker surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark and ran for 97 or more yards in six of his 11 starts.
Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant might be the Seahawks' starting corners for the next few years. How Woolen fell to Round 5 is anyone's guess, but he's a Seattle-style corner if there ever was one, tying for the league lead in picks with six (one pick-six) and flashing outstanding playmaking ability. Bryant opened eyes with four forced fumbles and has the makings of a quality slot corner if he can clean up his tackling and tighten his coverage a shade. Boye Mafe brought energy as a subpackage rusher and figures to reprise that role -- or even start -- in 2023.
The Seahawks are currently scouting the NFL Combine in search of the next best class. The combine runs from Feb. 27 to March 6 in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium. Former Alabama quarterback Bryce Young is the favorite (-175) to be drafted No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Chicago Bears own the first pick, however, there are multiple quarterback-needy teams who may desire to trade up. The draft will take place at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. with the first round beginning on April 27.
The Seahawks one of only two teams from this past, joining the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles, to reach the playoffs and have multiple first-round picks. Seattle has nine selections in the draft, including two first-rounders.
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