The Seahawks are less than two weeks away from ushering in their next generation of talent in the 2022 NFL draft. Heading into this draft class they’re down one star quarterback but unlike in previous years they actually have a high pick. For the first time since 2010, they hold a top-10 overall selection, which puts them in rare position to land a real difference-maker.
On Thursday ESPN analyst Mina Kimes joined the Seahawks Insiders podcast and shared her thoughts on what the team should do should do when they’re on the clock. LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux both earned some praise, per the team website.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if it just comes down to the best player available. You know, if Derek Stingley is there, you take him, and Thibodeaux is off the board and maybe the top tackles are. Although I would take Stingley over honestly a tackle personally, I think he’s that good. I think he’s the kind of player that you can build a defense around or if Thibodeaux was there, Thibodeaux for me. Let me put it this way, the Seahawks would be thrilled if Carolina takes a quarterback, I think. I don’t expect them to go quarterback with nine, but you know I could be shocked, but I think if those picks can be used on positions like wide receiver quarterback whatever that the Seahawks don’t need, I think they would be over the moon because there could be some really, really talented blue-chippers available.”
This was before we learned that Seattle is re-signing 2019-2021 backup QB Geno Smith to a one-year deal. That means we can probably go ahead and assume they won’t be drafting a quarterback this year – certainly not at that spot.
Stingley and Thibodeaux are both worthy targets at No. 9, especially considering the relative depth of this offensive tackle class. Then again, aside from taking Russell Okung at No. 6 overall in 2010 this front office has had almost zero success drafting offensive linemen. Picking one as early as possible may give them the best chance to hit on a sure thing.
If the Seahawks follow Mina’s advice and shoot for one of the blue-chip elite defensive prospects, other names to watch include Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd, who could replace Bobby Wagner. There’s also freakish Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton and Florida State pass rusher Jermaine Johnson II.
