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The Seattle Seahawks entered the 2022 NFL Draft armed with additional picks as a result of the blockbuster Russell Wilson trade. While some thought the Seahawks would use this year's draft capital to select a quarterback, the franchise opted to address other areas on the field. Seattle selected offensive lineman Charles Cross in the first round, utilizing one of their second-round picks on running back Kenneth Walker III.
They also addressed their lackluster pass rush by choosing edge rusher Boye Mafe with their second day-two pick. Pundits named other teams, such as the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens, as the draft's biggest winners, though the Seahawks seemed to do reasonably well at first glance. But how did they really do? That's what we'll assess here. That said, here are grades for every pick made by the Seahawks in the NFL Draft.
Seattle Seahawks 2022 NFL Draft Grades
Round 1, Pick 9- OT Charles Cross (Mississippi State)
Grade: A
The Seahawks, who fielded one of the league's worst offensive lines in 2021, immediately addressed it with their first pick in the draft. The 6-5, 310-pound Cross is a controlled and agile technician who will instantly slide in at one of the tackle spots for Seattle. Cross earned an 84.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus in 2021 and is widely regarded as the best pure pass-blocking prospect in the draft. The Mississippi State product will solidify the Seahawks' line for years to come.
Round 2, Pick 40- LB Boye Mafe (Minnesota)
Grade: B+
While some may look at this as a reach given Boye Mafe's pre-draft projections, the Seahawks fell in love with his explosiveness and athleticism, traits that give him strong NFL upside. Mafe's pass-rushing toolbox and unique coverage ability should make him valuable to a Seahawks' defense that ranked 31st against the pass while generating the 10th-fewest sacks in the league in 2021.
Round 2, Pick 41- RB Kenneth Walker III (Michigan State)
Grade: A-
The Seahawks got arguably the best running back in the draft in Michigan State's Kenneth Walker III. Walker exploded for the Spartans in 2021, running for over 1600 yards and 18 touchdowns while finishing sixth in the Heisman race. While his pass protection needs work, the Spartans star's violent running style is a perfect fit for the Seahawks' physical, ground-heavy offense. Walker was a wise investment, considering that fellow Seahawks' halfbacks Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny have never played a full season.
Round 3, Pick 72- OT Abraham Lucas (Washington State)
Grade: B
Abraham Lucas was a basketball star in high school, so there's no doubting his athleticism. His experience- he made 43 starts in four seasons for Washington State- will also help him at the NFL level. Lucas may not start in year one for the Seahawks, though he has the potential to develop into a solid tackle. Two linemen in the first four picks is a good start for the rebuild of Seattle's offensive line.
Round 4, Pick 109- CB Coby Bryant (Cincinnati)
Grade: A-
This is a steal for the Seahawks. A winner of the 2021 Jim Thorpe award, given to the top defensive back, Coby Bryant was often overshadowed by teammate Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner. Bryant's 6-1, 198-pound prototypical frame and impressive instincts helped him to tally nine career interceptions and four forced fumbles. Bryant should find his way onto the field one way or the other for the Seahawks.
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Round 5, Pick 153- CB Tariq Woolen (UTSA)
Grade: B
Tariq Woolen has incredible size for a cornerback- as he is 6-4, 205-pounds- and it's not hard to envision the Seahawks seeing Brandon Browner 2.0 in the Texas-San Antonio product. Woolen needs some coaching up, but 6-4 corners with 4.40 40-yard dash speed don't come around often.
Round 5, Pick 158- DE Tyreke Smith (Ohio State)
Grade: B-
The Seahawks get bonus points for continuing to address edge rusher, a position of need. Tyreke Smith certainly doesn't have the upside of a Boye Mafe-type pass rusher, though his strong motor should help him get on the field quickly as a rotational defensive end/linebacker.
Round 7, Pick 229- WR Bo Melton (Rutgers)
Grade: C+
Bo Melton is an athletic, speedy wideout who ran a 4.34 40-yard dash while showcasing explosive playmaking ability at Rutgers. Melton spent most of his time in motion on offense, which makes it likely that he'll be a gadget-type player for Seattle.
Round 7, Pick 233- WR Dareke Young (Lenoir-Rhyne)
Grade: B-
The 6-2, 224-pound Dareke Young out of Division II Lenoir-Rhyne could be a good find for the Seahawks in the seventh round. Young dealt with a knee injury during his senior season but tallied 25 catches for 303 yards and four touchdowns in those contests. There's definite upside here.
