The 2022 NFL Draft is less than a week away, and thanks to one of the most significant trades in franchise history, the Seahawks have a lot of draft capital they can use to improve the roster, including the No. 9 overall pick as well as two picks early in the second round.
The Seahawks very well could move back as they so often have done with first-round picks under John Schneider and Pete Carroll, but if they do pick at No. 9, it will be their highest pick since they selected Russell Okung with the No. 6 pick in 2010, Schneider and Carroll's first draft together.
With that in mind, it's time to take a look at what some of the draft experts think the Seahawks might do with that No. 9 pick:
Rang: "Seattle might wind up re-signing incumbent starting offensive tackles Duane Brown and Brandon Shell. But at this point, the only tackles on the roster are last year's sixth-round pick, Stone Forsythe, and a pair of second-year undrafted free agents in Jake Curhan and Greg Eiland, suggesting that the club is strongly considering using at least one premium selection on a blocker. Penning has starting experience on both sides and is a self-made player who stood out at the Senior Bowl. He checks a lot of boxes. Nabbing a brawler here — while acquiring two extra picks in the trade down — would make a lot of sense.
Schrager: "Defensive back might not be the most pressing need for Seattle, but Stingley can ball. There's a big drop-off on teams' overall boards at the corner spot after Gardner and Stingley. Seattle gets another LSU Tiger to join Jamal Adams in the secondary."
Jones-Drew: "The Seahawks aren't done adding to the QB room, as they grab a guy who will compete with Drew Lock and Geno Smith. Ridder is a bit raw, but plays with confidence and commands the offense -- an attitude that will mesh well with Pete Carroll."
Tice: "The first QB comes off the board, and it's the Seahawks betting on the upside of Willis to carry them into a new era. Willis will be a huge project, but his arm strength and ability to create plays with his legs are traits that are impossible to teach. He might take some time to catch up to the complexity of NFL schemes, but he will be a fun project for Shane Waldron to work with."
McShay: "Sure, quarterback is a possibility -- but with Duane Brown's spot at left tackle vacant and Neal falling, the Seahawks need to make this happen. It doesn't matter if it's Drew Lock or someone else, whoever starts under center will struggle if he can't stay upright."
This a three-round mock in which McShay and Kiper alternate picks, and with pick No. 40, Kiper has Seattle selecting Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral, then with the next pick, McShay goes with Georgia linebacker Quay Walker.
Edwards: "Seattle has a lot of needs, including quarterback, yet it is difficult to see them starting a rebuild right now with a 70-year-old head coach. Johnson gives them the quality edge rusher that they have been chasing for a long time."
Iyer: "Willis proved he can be a top-10 upside pick for a QB needy team, which the Seahawks are after the blockbuster Russell Wilson trade that yielded this pick in return. Willis can develop into their new version of Wilson with strong arm, fine athleticism and overall toughness."
