All Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks legend named top draft CB value of the millennium

One of the leaders of the Seattle Seahawks' "Legion of Boom" defense was also one of the greatest draft steals of all time
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman reacts during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams.
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman reacts during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

In this story:


The Seattle Seahawks were one of the most dominant teams in the mid-2010s, thanks to their incredible defense. Known as the "Legion of Boom," they were one of the most feared units in the league. With studs at all three levels, they made life miserable for opposing teams, but one of their biggest — and most vocal stars — was cornerback Richard Sherman.

Selected in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL draft, Sherman spent seven seasons with the Seahawks. During that span, he had 368 tackles, 99 pass defenses, and 32 interceptions. He even led the league with eight picks in 2013, which was the year they went on to win the Super Bowl.

RELATED: NFL insider: Some Giants staff wanted Jameis Winston starting over Russell Wilson

Sherman went on to play four more years after leaving Seattle, but it was his time with the Seahawks that stands out as his best. It's also those years that NFL.com's Eric Edholm points to while naming Sherman the No. 1 NFL draft value of the millennium at cornerback. Edholm even said Sherman could go down as the greatest steal ever at the position.

Seattle Seahawks CB Richard Sherman stretches during pregame warmups against the Indianapolis Colts at CenturyLink Field.
Seattle Seahawks CB Richard Sherman stretches during pregame warmups against the Indianapolis Colts at CenturyLink Field. | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

"As a converted receiver with only two years of college cornerbacking under his belt, Sherman entered the league with suspicion -- but also with advantageous tools. His length, strength and ball skills all would help make Sherman a terrific member of the Seahawks' 'Legion of Boom' secondary that made two Super Bowls, winning one, and earned its chapter in league lore." — Edholm

Sherman was so overlooked that his own collegiate coach, Jim Harbaugh, didn't select him. Harbaugh had just taken the head coaching position with the San Francisco 49ers, but passed on his Stanford project in four rounds before watching their divisional rival take him at No. 154 overall.

More Seahawks on SI stories

Why the Raiders may be forced to sit ex-Seahawks QB Geno Smith in 2025

Proposed blockbuster trade sends disgruntled Steelers All-Pro to Seahawks

Seahawks rookie QB Jalen Milroe hilariously struggles with reaction drill

Early benching could be in store for former Seahawks star Russell Wilson


Published
Randy Gurzi
RANDY GURZI

Randy Gurzi is a graduate of Arizona State and has focused on NFL coverage since 2014.