Maxxcash The 2022 NFL Draft has officially kicked off, and the Seattle Seahawks have made their first selection. As the seven rounds progress and the team makes all of their picks, we will provide a live draft grade and analysis for each of the Seahawks’ selections. How do these new prospects fit with the roster, what kind of impact will they have on the team, and what do the team’s needs look like now that the draft is complete?
Make sure to continue to check back as the 2022 NFL Draft continues for live Seattle Seahawks draft grades and analysis.
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Seattle Seahawks grades for 2022 NFL Draft
What are the Seahawks‘ grades for their selections in the 2022 NFL Draft as they look to address their main needs this offseason?
Round 1, Pick 9: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
The run on offensive players, specifically offensive tackles, heads to the Pacific Northwest at No. 9. Pete Carroll’s Seattle Seahawks decide to stay put with the ninth overall pick and select Mississippi State’s Charles Cross. Filling a massive need, Cross may have a slight adjustment period entering the NFL, but he’s shown more than enough technical proficiency to make an immediate impact.
Despite hailing from the Mike Leach system at Mississippi State, Cross had plenty of examples of terrific run-blocking skill. Cross has sound hands in pass protection and a great anchor. He is also a gifted athlete with a documented ability to keep his quarterback clean. Cross is an immediate starter at a pivotal position in Seattle’s offense.
Grade: B
Round 2, Pick 40: Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
Through their first two picks at least, the Seahawks are passing on quarterback options. With the 40th pick in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Minnesota EDGE Boye Mafe. Mafe adds to an edge-rushing rotation that is fairly thin outside of Darrell Taylor and Uchenna Nwosu. But more than that, Mafe gives Seattle a pass-rushing catalyst with an extremely high ceiling.
Mafe is a bit older as a rookie, but he’s relatively new to football. He’s trending up fast, as was evidenced by his strong Senior Bowl week and dominant Senior Bowl game. Standing at 6’4”, 261 pounds, with 4.53 speed and a 38” vertical, Mafe has it all — explosiveness, bend capacity, forceful hands, and a hot motor. He has all the traits to be a constant disruptor off the edge if he can keep refining his hand usage.
Grade: A-
What were the Seahawks’ biggest needs entering the draft?
The departure of Russell Wilson most definitely created a need to address the QB position. However, they must not negate their other glaring needs. The offensive line has long been an issue, and without putting some time and attention into that unit, it risks capping the potential of any QB they try to develop.
Defensively, they have needs at all three levels. Bobby Wagner’s release leaves a big hole at linebacker. Meanwhile, the cornerback position has never looked right since the Legion of Boom days and could certainly use an infusion of talent.
