The Seahawks are getting high grades for their work in the NFL draft for the second year in a row. While the returns are mostly good news for the franchise, some players might not feel the same way.
Let’s examine some winners and losers on the roster following the draft.
Winner: QB Geno Smith
Nobody should be happier than QB1 Geno Smith, who had things break his way on several levels during the draft. Not only did Seattle pass on picking a potential successor at QB, they added arguably the best wide receiver in the draft in Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who happens to have the exact skillset this unit was missing. The Seahawks also filled another hole by adding interior offensive line depth with LSU guard Anthony Bradford and Michigan center Olusegun Oluwatimi.
Loser: RB Ken Walker
Perhaps the player with the most cause to be anxious about this draft class is last year’s second-round running back, Ken Walker. Seattle once again did the thing this year by picking another RB early, taking UCLA’s Zach Charbonnet at No. 52 overall. That they considered taking him as high as No. 37 shows how much confidence they have in Charbonnet. Walker should still be projected as the team’s starter at this position. However, he may only be one injury away from having what happened to Rashaad Penny last season happen to him.
Winner: TE Will Dissly
Seattle has three good-but-not-great tight ends on their roster with Will Dissly, Noah Fant and Colby Parkinson. All three of them should be elated that the Seahawks didn’t take advantage of a deep class at their position, especially Fant – who was rumored to be a trade candidate during the draft. Fant may yet be a salary cap casualty, though. As the reigning No. 1 option, Dissly has the most cause to celebrate.
Loser: RG Phil Haynes
Phil Haynes signed an extension recently and should project as Seattle’s starting right guard this year. Then again, it’s only a one-year deal and now there’s a ready-made replacement on the roster. One of LSU guard Anthony Bradford’s best athletic profile comps is literally Phil Haynes, so the clock is ticking. Depending on how smoothly Bradford transitions to the pro game Haynes may have to fight to keep his RG1 spot.
Winner: LB Devin Bush
Perhaps the biggest surprise of their draft was the Seahawks not picking a linebacker. Right now Seattle has Bobby Wagner, Devin Bush and an injured Jordyn Brooks (who just had his fifth-year option declined) projected to be at the top of the rotation. All three will be free agents next year, so it made sense to invest at this spot for the future. By passing on the 2023 linebackers, it gives Bush a better chance to earn a long-term spot. While it hasn’t worked out for him so far at this level, Bush is still only 24 years old and may yet live up to his status as a former first-round pick.
Loser: CB Coby Bryant
Coby Bryant played the slot admirably for a rookie last season and showed real potential. That said, it’s a low bar for first-year defenders at one of the game’s most-challenging positions. Since then the Seahawks have signed Julian Love and also drafted Jerrick Reed II, who’s another combo safety/slot guy. Bryant may need to display significant improvement in coverage in order to remain the starting nickel.
