ESPN put the full weight of their offseason might into ranking the greatest draft pick ever at each selection, all the way to pick 262. Pretty cool exercise, and the Seattle Seahawks did quite alright for themselves.
Here’s the list!
6. Walter Jones, Tackle.
Ben Solak called him “one of the best offensive linemen of all time,” and he beat Julio Jones for this honor at number six.
36. Kevin Mawae, Center
The reason you might have never heard of him is because he won seven All-Pro or Pro Bowls in a row, and not a one of them for the Seahawks. Congrats, Jets.
47. Bobby Wagner, Linebacker
Not all heroes wear capes. Some of them played long enough to inspire two generations of football kids, even though he wore yellow twice.
75. Russell Wilson, Quarterback
85. Brandon Mebane, DT
I like this one because Mebane represents the part of the defense that fell most severely off the cliff in the waning seasons of the Legion of Boom, and turned into the worst position group on the field for years. He was, while not underrated, never the first guy listed during that era, but obviously a massive contributor.
A Wrinkle! 117. Steve Largent.
The greatest wide receiver in history was not actually drafted by the Seahawks. However, the Houston Oilers were unimpressed through four preseason games and traded him to Seattle for an 8th-round pick. Largent played exclusively for the Seahawks and owns every franchise receiving record. Seeing as how Seattle used a draft pick to acquire Largent in his rookie season, we are, by technicality, awarding Largent a place on this list.
133. Kam Chancellor, Safety
Bam bam.
155. Michael Sinclair, DE
Ironically, Sinclair is a significant player on this list because his draft slot, 155, is just one spot behind Richard Sherman, who’s not on the list. He lost out to Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas, for the following reason:
Thomas made the Hall of Fame in 2023 and represents all short kings, so I have to pick him here. But Sherman should make the Hall soon, and there’s a legit debate between the two.
I….would disagree, but believe it or not Thomas has a career Approximate Value of 148 and Sherman has 114. Thomas played two more years, so his average was actually higher as well.
Still, he didn’t interview as well.
170. Michael McCrary, DE
Alright.
225. J.R. Sweezy, Guard
This is very fun. See how much fun we’re having?
242. Malcolm Smith, Linebacker
Personally, I was hoping Chris Carson was going to make it as the lowest pick on the list for Seattle, but Smith’s presence as the Super Bowl MVP is well deserved.
Anybody else you feel should have earned a spot? Perhaps they were cowardly in not awarding Doug Baldwin best undrafted player ever? Sound off in the comments!
