The Seattle Seahawks were not planning to be players in the 2022 NFL Draft after trading away their first-round selection for Jamal Adams.
Boy, how things have changed. Leading up to the start of draft season, Seattle traded franchise quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos for a package including five draft picks and three players.
This changes the trajectory of the organization under head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider. It also changes Seattle’s draft plans. Before we get into the Seattle Seahawks’ mock draft, let’s check in on the picks they now boast heading into the annual event later this week in Las Vegas.
Related: Updated 2022 NFL mock draft
2022 Seattle Seahawks draft picks
- 1st round: 9th overall
- 2nd round: 40th and 41st overall
- 3rd round: 72nd overall
- 4th round: 109th overall
- 5th round: 145th pick and 153rd overall
- 7th round: 229th overall
Seattle Seahawks mock draft: Rebuilding in the post-Russell Wilson era
Russell Wilson covered up a lot of holes on the Seahawks’ roster over the past few seasons. His excellent play also covered up some major draft misses from general manager John Schneider and the Seahawks’ front office.
Now that Wilson is in Denver, the pressure is on Schneider to hit big time. That includes finding talent with the three 2022 draft picks the Seahawks acquired from Denver for Mr. Wilson.
Related: Ranking QBs in the 2022 NFL Draft
1st round, 9th overall: Malik Willis, quarterback, Liberty
It would just make too much sense for Seattle to use the first of the five picks it acquired for Wilson on his heir-apparent.
The idea for Seattle would be to have Malik Willis sit behind Drew Lock, Geno Smith or another veteran for a season. Unquestionably the most-talented quarterback in the 2022 NFL Draft, Willis is the one signal caller that seems to have star potential written all over him. The small-school product proved that in college and absolutely wowed onlookers during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. This would be a no-brainer if Willis is available at nine. The question is whether he’ll actually be available. The Lions (No. 2 overall) and Panthers at six could target him. If so, a trade up could be in the cards.
Related: Seattle Seahawks 2022 opponents include Russell Wilson
2nd round, 40th overall: Bernhard Raimann, offensive tackle, Central Michigan
It wouldn’t be a Seattle Seahawks mock draft without Schneider and Co. coming up with a perceived reach. With that said, Raimann has been ascending the NFL Draft rankings for some time now. The Austria native has all of the tools to become a plus-level left tackle in the NFL. While he’s a developmental prospect, acquiring someone with his ability in Round 2 would be a boon.
To say that Seattle largely avoided the offensive line during Wilson’s tenure would be an understatement. It’s one of the primary reasons the franchise quarterback grew disgruntled in the Pacific Northwest. While it might be late for Wilson, Seattle needs to right this wrong now.
2nd round, 41st overall: Kenneth Walker, running back, Michigan State
Let’s get the running back jokes out of the way first. Yes, we know Seattle dropped the ball big time by selecting Rashaad Penny in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. It was a miserable pick for Schneider and Co. despite the team re-signing him this offseason.
However, no two situations are the same. If Walker does indeed fall to the Seahawks’ second pick on Day 2, this would be an absolute steal for Seattle. We’re talking about a dude who dominated elite Big 10 competition to the tune of 1,636 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns a season ago. He could help keep Seattle afloat in 2022 before joining Willis in what would be a dynamic backfield the following season.
Related: Top 2022 NFL Draft prospects
3rd round, 72nd overall: Josh Paschal, EDGE, Kentucky
Seattle’s vaunted defense was a shell of its former self last season. That included registering a total of 34 sacks in 17 games. Aging veteran Carlos Dunlap led this unit with 8.5 sacks and was just released. Meanwhile, free agent Rasheem Green was second with 6.5 sacks.
Enter into the equation a pro-ready talent in Paschal who recorded 15 tackles for loss and five sacks a season ago. The former Kentucky star can play in both the 4-3 and 3-4. He boasts plus-level technique and a wide array of pass-rush moves. This would be a steal in Round 3.
4th round, 109th overall: Martin Emerson, cornerback, Mississippi State
Seattle has a specific type of cornerback it values under Pete Carroll. That is to say, physical and big-body types. At 6-foot-2, Emerson is a prime example of what Carroll looks for in his cover guys. Someone who can bang with the receiver at the line and throw him off his route.
The Seahawks are long past the days of Richard Sherman. Their corners struggled big time last season. With the likes of Cooper Kupp, Deebo Samuel and DeAndre Hopkins in the NFC West, they need to get more talented here. Emerson would provide that.
Rounding out the Seattle Seahawks mock draft
- 5th round, 145th overall: Lecitus Smith, guard, Virginia Tech
- 5th round, 153rd overall: Romeo Doubs, wide receiver, Nevada
- 7th ound, 229th overall: Smoke Monday, safety, Auburn
Let us know what you think about this Seattle Seahawks mock draft in the comments section below.