Today is a big day for the Seahawks, who look poised to bring home the Lombardi Trophy against the Patriots in Super Bowl LX. A major reason for their success is the smart drafting over the past few years, starting with landing one of the premier wide receivers late in the first round. These five players, taken from Day One to Day Three of their respective drafts, have been key pieces in building the best team in the NFL.
WR: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (2023 NFL Draft – Round 1, Pick 20)
It is usually difficult to argue that a first-round pick is a great draft value, but Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the clear exception. The Seahawks selected him with the 20th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, a move I called the best value of the entire first round at the time. He has more than justified that label, winning AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year and leading the NFL in receiving yards with 1,793. Finding a true No. 1 receiver outside the top 15 is rare, and Seattle got it right.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba in 2025:
— PFF (@PFF) February 6, 2026
🏆 1,793 receiving yards (8th in NFL history)
🏆 15 games with 75+ yards (2nd in NFL history)
🏆 3.62 yards per route run (4th in PFF history)
2025 OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR pic.twitter.com/9UAVNFbXHc
OT: Abraham Lucas (2022 NFL Draft – Round 3, Pick 72)
Offensive tackle Abraham Lucas is a third-round pick who has clearly worked out for Seattle. He is coming off the best season of his career, earning a 78.5 overall PFF grade and an 81.2 run-blocking grade. His development has positioned him as a long-term piece on the offensive line, which the Seahawks reinforced by signing him to a three-year, $46 million deal in September.
CB: Tariq Woolen (2022 NFL Draft – Round 5, Pick 153)
Another strong value from the 2022 NFL Draft is cornerback Tariq Woolen, whom the Seahawks landed in the fifth round. Woolen has been inconsistent and has spent time on the bench at various points in his career, but the playmaking ability is undeniable. He intercepted six passes as a rookie in 2022 and has broken up 53 passes over his career. That boom-or-bust profile makes his future in Seattle uncertain, and it will be interesting to see whether the team lets him walk in free agency this offseason.
S: Nick Emmanwori (2025 NFL Draft – Round 2, Pick 35)
Seattle also found great value in the secondary when they selected safety Nick Emmanwori with the 35th pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. He has been an invaluable defender this season, lining up all over the defense and leading all rookies with 13 forced incompletions and 22 pass stops, according to PFF. To say the least, it is great news that he will be a full go in today’s Super Bowl.
TE: AJ Barner (2024 NFL Draft – Round 4, Pick 121)
A Day Three selection who has made an immediate impact, tight end AJ Barner was taken in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. This season, he ranks second on the Seahawks in both receptions (53) and receiving touchdowns (6), and he has been reliable as a blocker as well. Don’t be surprised if he comes up with several big catches in the Super Bowl.