What Should The Seattle Seahawks Do At 9 In The 2022 NFL Draft?
What should the Seattle Seahawks do with the ninth pick in the 2022 NFL Draft?
After a couple offseasons of speculation, the Seattle Seahawks finally traded away Russell Wilson. He goes to the Broncos and the Seahawks received a monster trade package in return, netting two first round picks, two second round picks, and a few players, most notably tight end Noah Fant.
The full rebuild is on for Seattle, and it’s really going to start in late April in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. They now hold the ninth pick in the 2022 draft, and the excitement grows as they’ll have a chance to potentially grab an elite prospect or make other moves. What should they do? Let’s look at a few scenarios.
Best Player Available
This feels like the best strategy for the Seahawks on the rebuild track, and there will be plenty of players to consider. Edge rusher has to be the favorite in the clubhouse at this point, and the latest rumblings around the league make it seem like three will be off the board by pick nine (Aidan Hutchinson, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Travon Walker).
That leaves a plethora of options for the selection. Jermaine Johnson II has been the big riser of the 2022 NFL Draft process, and would have to be a favorite here. He can affect all three downs, from setting a physical edge in the run game to getting after the quarterback with speed to power and other counter-moves. David Ojabo can be the upside selection, as he’s polished enough as a rusher to get after the quarterback situationally, but needs time before he can be on the field on early downs. The floor pick is George Karlaftis, who has the power and technique to flatten and corner the edge.
Jordan Davis would likely be an option as well, if Seattle feels like they want to have a defender control the trenches against the run. Davis proved he had the athletic upside at the combine, and can be a menace for interior offensive lines.
Don’t rule out corner either, especially considering all of them could be on the board. If they like what Ahmad Gardner brings to the table, he could be in play, as could someone like Andrew Booth or Derek Stingley.
Move Up For A Quarterback (Or Select One)
This would be a wild scenario that would send shockwaves throughout the 2022 NFL Draft. We know the quarterback position is weaker in 2022, but there are a couple toolsy prospects worth looking at to bet on some upside. Malik Willis has crushed the process so far (at the Senior Bowl, combine interviews) and could go higher than people believe. If they move up to Carolina’s spot, or potentially higher, Willis would be the target with his live arm, incredible athleticism, and limitless upside.
If they stay put, could it be Matt Corral, who has the quick release, sufficient arm strength, and can make plays on the move in a Shane Waldron offense? Desmond Ridder is the other to watch for, who has similar tools to Willis and brings that outward moxie.
Trade Back For More Capital
They have sufficient capital already for 2022, but the Seattle Seahawks could potentially move back in a trade with aggressive teams looking for players high on their board who fall or even a quarterback. The Vikings hopping Washington could happen, as could a Pittsburgh Steelers move up. A move of around 10 spots could net another first round pick for 2023.
What’s The Best Option?
It’s tough to force the issue at quarterback with a roster that’s rebuilding, but if the Seattle Seahawks believe Willis or someone else is that guy who can elevate their team moving forward, who are we to judge that. Best player available feels the most sensible, and getting strong foundations in the trenches with D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Noah Fant as receiving weapons will open the door for someone like C.J. Stroud in 2023.