Seattle's draft class earns another major superlative from ESPN for their outstanding play in 2022.
Good morning, 12s. Here's a look at what's out there today — Friday, January 20 — about your Seattle Seahawks.
ESPN: Seahawks Draft Class Ranked Best In NFL
With five starters on both sides of the ball, and a Pro Bowl selection for Tariq Woolen in his first year - the Seahawks draft class made a substantial impact on the 2022 season. Seattle's rise to 9-8 and a NFC Wild Card berth wouldn't have been possible without its rookie class, which ESPN ranks as the best of 2022.
In one way or another, seven of Seattle's nine selections in April's draft made their mark on offense, defense and/or special teams. Rookie tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas became the first rookie tackle duo to start a team's first 15 games at tackle since the 1970 merger.
Running back Kenneth Walker III joined Seahawks Legend Curt Warner as the only backs in team history to rush for 1,000 yards in their rookie season, leading NFL rookies with 1,050 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Cornerback Tariq Woolen set a franchise rookie record with six interceptions and became Seattle's first rookie defender to earn a Pro Bowl nod since Lofa Tatupu in 2005.
ESPN insiders Aaron Schatz and Alex Vigderman break down why Seattle's rookie class was the league's best - and what the future holds.
The Seahawks came out of the 2022 draft with four starters and some useful depth on top of that. Their best rookie was fifth-round pick Tariq Woolen, who tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions. He finished with 16 passes defended and allowed a completion rate of just 47% in coverage. Left tackle Charles Cross and right tackle Abraham Lucas started 17 and 16 games, respectively. Cross was eighth at his position in SIS total points, while Lucas ranked 13th at his position.
The fourth starter was running back [Kenneth Walker III]. Walker had over 1,000 rushing yards with nine rushing touchdowns.
If you count nickelback as a starter -- and you should in the modern NFL -- the Seahawks also got a lot of value out of fourth-round pick [Coby Bryant], who allowed a moderate 7.5 yards per target. In addition, edge rusher Boye Mafe started three games and racked up three sacks._
The end of the season is bittersweet, but optimism should be high surrounding the Seahawks' future. Not only in anticipation of year-two for the 2022 class - but the next puzzle pieces Seattle will find in April's draft.
Social Post Of The Day
Seahawks Legend Michael Bumpus with a throwback film breakdown of a Seattle Legend in his own right - K.J. Wright.
More from Around The Web
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times: Report card: Bob Condotta grades the Seahawks’ 2022 season.
Brent Stecker of Seattle Sports 710AM: Seahawks GM John Schneider: ‘We want Geno to come back.’
Zach Dimmitt of Sports Illustrated: Seahawks Throwback, 9 Years Ago Today: 'I'm the Best Corner in the Game!'
Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic: Seahawks’ offseason priorities: QB plan, fortify trenches, add a weapon and more.
Some of the best photos of Seahawks Dancer Caroline throughout the 2022 season.
