Seahawks 7 round Mock Draft 1.0: Seahawks Go Defense Heavy in the 2022 Draft

 

Seahawks 7 round Mock Draft 1.0:

Seahawks Go Defense Heavy in the 2022 Draft

By Kushagra Mishra 

The Seahawks select in the top ten for the first time in over a decade. With the 9^th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, there are many premier, blue-chip players up for grabs that the Seahawks never had a chance selecting. The Seahawks have multiple holes on team including the Tackle position, EDGE, Corner, and Running Back and Linebacker. With an exciting opportunity awaiting Pete Carol and John Schneider, lets see who the Seahawks select in my 2022 Seahawks 7 Round Mock Draft with Trades! 

Pick 9, First Round (via Denver)

Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon  

 

The Seahawks don’t let Thibodeaux slide out of the top ten. Thibodeaux, is ranked by many people as the 2^nd best pass rusher in this class behind Michigan’s Adrian Hutchinson, who will most likely be the 1^st or 2^nd overall pick. In the last month, Thibodeaux’s stock has been slipping due to concerns over his commitment to the game. However, these concerns have taken on to much weight as Thibodeaux should be a top 5 pick in the draft. As other teams are weary of selecting him, the fortunate Seahawks don’t let this opportunity pass. Despite rumors, Thibodeaux is enormously talented in all phases of the game. He’s a physical run defender, an absolute nightmare rushing the passer with an explosive first step, has a relentless motor, and a sound tackler and can occasionally drop back into coverage. Thibodeaux demands double teams and still is successful getting to the passer. With an elite EDGE defender, this allows other pass rushers to get more one-on-one opportunities. Lining Thibodeaux across from Darrel Taylor and having Uchenna Nwosu, and Jamal Adams on the outside with Shelby Harris, and Quinton Jefferson, on the inside, offenses would be looking at a scary front 7. Picking Thibodeaux would be  a slam dunk pick for the Seahawks.  

Pick 40, Second Round  

 

Channing Tindall, LB, Georgia  

With Bobby Wagner no longer on the team, the Seahawks require another play maker in the middle of the field. With the Seahawks running a 3-4 hybrid scheme, they need 2 middle linebackers. Jordyn Brooks looks like he’ll have another starting role next year. Cody Barton might be the starter next year if the Seahawks don’t address LB early in the draft. Though Barton played well in the final stretch of the season, the Seahawks have a chance to upgrade at the position and get a future star. Tindall ran a speedy 4.47 40 time, with measurements of 6’2’’, 230lbs. Tindal and Jordyn Brooks both have excellent sideline to sideline speed and would make a great tackling duo. Tindall plays with great coverage and rout recognition instincts. He’s excellent in racking up tackles and is amazing at blitzing the A gap (5.5 sacks in 2021). Tindall is explosive and a downhill tackler. Drafting Tindal would bring back the aggressive style of play the Seahawks lack.

Pick 51* (via Philadelphia)

 

Abraham Lucas, OT, WSU

* Trade: Eagles receive pick 41 and 2023 7^th rounder, Seahawks receive pick 51 and 83

The Seahawks have a gaping hole at Tackle, Duane Brown and Brandon Shell are unsigned. Jake Curhan and Stone Forsyth are the 2 who would replace them. Starting two inexperienced players at Tackle would be irresponsible. Even if the Seahawks do sign Brown, his age is a concern, and it might be time to look for a replacement. If the Seahawks sign Shell back, they might look for a possible upgrade at the Tackle spot. Lucas is versatile and can play both sides and would be a great fit for Seattle.

Pick 72

Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA

D.J. Reed signed with the Jets, leaving 2^nd year Tre Brown and Sidney Jones at CB. Before the injury, Tre Brown play excellent, and over time, Jones started to play better as he got accustomed to the system. Behind these two, uncertainty lies on who could possibly be back-up. Ugo Amati might be an option, but the Seahawks could look towards the draft to get younger talent after poor play from Amati. The Seahawks could also be looking to add competition as Woolen has starting potential. Displaying his 4.26 40 time at the combine and measuring in at 6’4’’, Woolen is a lengthy and speedy corner. Regardless of if he starts, Woolen could be a corner the Seahawks view as a long-term possible starter.

Pick 83* (Via Philadelphia)

 

Sam Williams, EDGE, Ole Miss

Even after Drafting Thibodeaux in the first, the Seahawks continue to add more power to their pass rushing group. Williams slips a little due to off the field issues, but the Seahawks snag him at 83, fearing he might be gone soon. In 2021, Williams exploded with a breakout season posting 12.5 sacks. He’s a powerful rusher with a good first step. The Seahawks plan to bank on their defense this season, so there’s no such thing as too much pass rush.

  

Pick 109  

 

Zamir White, RB, Georgia  

With uncertainty at running back due to Carson and Penny’s injuries, drafting a running back would be a smart move. White displayed a blazing 1.5 second 10-yard split, showing his quick acceleration at the combine. White has great vision and amazing breakaway speed. With Drew Lock at QB, the Seahawks need an excellent run game. This would mean having a rotation of capable running backs, allowing Penny, Carson, and White to stay fresh and healthy to create a 3 headed monster at running back.

 

Pick 152

 

Luke Tenuta, OT, Virginia Tech 

Seahawks select another Tackle. Tenuta is a project Tackle and might take a couple of years to fully develop him. As for the immediate future, he’ll compete for a backup role and add depth to the Tackle position. AT 6’7’’, 318lbs Tenuta is a solid run blocker and can be a great anchor on the edge. However, his size can also be his weakness, as he has poor pad level and has trouble getting off the snap. But Tenuta has the tools to be able to be a viable Tackle option in the future as he might spend a couple of years learning before seeing some playing time.   

Pick 153(Via Denver)   

 

D’Eriq King, QB/WR, Miami 

The Seahawks select a QB! King might not be the name many fans were hoping for, but he offers a unique skill set. He can play both receiver and return man. Selecting King gives Seahawks more competition at QB and depth at WR. His fit in the offense would be similar it Taysom Hill. This could allow the offense to get more creative with two QBs on the field. He can be a slot receiver and pose a threat in the redzone.  153 might be too high for king but the Seahawks don’t pick till 230, so the Seahawks take a flyer late in the draft with enormous upside. 

Pick 229  

 

Eyioma Uwazurike, DT, Iowa State

With their last pick, the Seahawks draft a DT.  At 6’6’’, 316lbs Uwazurike eats up blockers and space and has the ability to get after the QB. In a 3-4 defense, you need a big Nose Tackle occupied the Center and Guard. Despite mostly playing 3T, He can play nose tackle. Behind an aging Al Woods, the Seahawks have Brayan Mone. The Seahawks take Uwazurike in hopes to develop him into a starter soon and  add depth at the Nose Tackle position.