Subscribe
Follow Us
The Seattle Seahawks had an excellent draft, landing key contributors on both sides of the ball, such as offensive lineman Charles Cross, running back Kenneth Walker III and edge rusher Boye Mafe with their first three picks. Each of those players will make a huge impact for the Seahawks in the 2022 NFL season. However, it's hard to classify those players as ‘sleepers', or rookies who will make an unexpected impact for the franchise.
Cross will be a day-one starter on one of 2021's worst offensive lines, while Walker will be a key contributor at a position where injuries have struck the Seahawks in recent years. Mafe might be considered a bit raw by scouts, though his freakish athleticism should immediately provide some punch to Seattle's pass rush.
Each of those rookies will have fairly predictable roles in 2022. Which rookie going under the radar will make a huge impact in the 2022 NFL season? This rookie.
Seahawks Rookie Sleeper For 2022 NFL Season
Coby Bryant will be the Seahawks' rookie sleeper in the 2022 NFL season. Taken in the fourth round out of Cincinnati, Bryant, along with the more heralded Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, helped the Bearcats field the nation's second-ranked pass defense this past season.
Not only that, but Bryant took home the 2021 Jim Thorpe award, given to the nation's top defensive back. The Cincinnati product edged out Gardner and LSU's Derek Stingley Jr. for the award, but fell all the way to the fourth round due to a less-than-stellar combine.
However, many projected Bryant as a second-round draft selection, which makes him a huge steal in the fourth round, as pointed out by former Seahawks All-Pro Richard Sherman, who believes the former Bearcats star is a “gamer who will make an immediate impact” for the franchise.
Article Continues Below
The Seahawks may need Byrant to be, as their top two corners, Sydney Jones IV and the newly signed Artie Burns, both enjoyed solid seasons in 2021, though each player has had trouble playing a full slate of games in recent years.
Even with the solid contributions from Jones, this was a secondary that allowed the second-most passing yards in the league last year. That means that Bryant should be given every opportunity to make an impact in the 2022 NFL season.
*Watch NFL games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
With 50 career starts at Cincinnati, Bryant brings a ton of experience on the outside to Seattle. While his speed- 4.50 40-yard dash- might leave him exposed against some of the NFL's burners, Bryant more than makes up for that with his ability to contest pass-catchers without drawing flags.
The 23-year-old is a big-time playmaker as well, having intercepted six passes while forcing three fumbles in his final two seasons at Cincinnati. Not only will Bryant make an impact on the field, but the man who was known as a “culture-changer” in college should also emerge as a leader for the Seahawks in the cornerback room.
Add it all up and Bryant figures to make a sizeable impact for Seattle in 2022.
