Seattle Seahawks: Greatest Draft Class Of The Last 20 Years

The Seattle Seahawks’ greatest draft class within the last 20 years was in 2012.

Runner-up Greatest Draft Classes 

2011 was a close second. Richard Sherman. Need I say more? KJ Wright, and Byron Maxwell. Enough said.

The third choice was 2022. They may end up going down in history as one of the best draft classes, but it’s too soon to tell. We have seen great things from Charles Cross, Boye Mafe, Kenneth Walker III, Abraham Lucas, and Tariq Woolen. They may pass up 2011, but they’re too green to tell.

Honorable mentions go to Legion of Boom members who were not drafted in 2011 and 2012.

2012 Draft Class (The Greatest Draft Class)

Ten players were drafted in 2012. The Seahawks had two picks in rounds four, six, and seven. Most of the picks in round four and later in the greatest draft class didn’t pan out to be much, an exception being J.R. Sweezy.

Sweezy retired as a Seahawk after a 1-day ceremonial contract last summer. The defensive tackle gone left guard was one of the few consistent offensive line members. Thanks for having Russell Wilson’s back when the management didn’t, J.R.!

Although they may not be future HOFs, anyone who bled green and blue for the Hawks is always appreciated. Thank you, RB Robert Turbin, DT Jaye Howard, LB Korey Toomer, DB Jeremy Lane, DB Winston Guy, and DE Greg Scruggs (we see you, Coach Scruggs).

The Top 3 of the Greatest Draft Class

#1 – Russell Wilson

Although it’s popular to hate Russell Wilson right now, I am a ride-or-die fan for #3. As a true-crime fanatic, it baffles me that Wilson has been raked over the coals for being too good of a stepdad, being too nice to the point of being “fake,” and not running his non-profit like some would like. This is in the world of Lori Vallow Daybells, Letecia Stauchs, Sarah Boones, Alex Murdaughs, and Brian Kohbergers, and that’s just 2023 court cases, and Wilson is the problem?

Even if you disapprove of the loving father, a supportive and secure husband who embraces his wife’s autonomy as an independent individual and perpetually positive teammate, Russ’s records speak for themselves.

The future HOF QB set records for his franchise and the entire league, creating critical representation as an African American QB in the NFL.

In 2023 the climate is a bit different, considering we just had the first super bowl with two starting black QBs facing off a few months ago, but even just ten years ago, this was hardly the case. That is not to say we somehow have fixed the lack of representation of African Americans in the QB position or righted the wrongs of yesteryear, but it’s a start.

Wilson is one of three black QBs to win the super bowl and one of eight to play in the super bowl. He is one of two to play in the super bowl more than once. Wilson was proposed as one of the most important black QBs in NFL history in 2020. He set the tone and paved the way for the black QBs of today with grace and poise.

As if Russ needed more obstacles to become a respected NFL QB, he was also short and a dual-threat who could run the ball and throw it, a less common QB style at the time.

Some additional impressive records that #3 has achieved are the third highest passer rating ever at 100.3; the most wins in the first ten years of his career surpassing Peyton Manning, the greatest passing yards and passing TDs as a QB in Seattle Seahawks history, and remains the only QB to have 500+ rushing yards, 4,000+ passing yards, and 30+ touchdowns in one season. There are benefits to being a QB, O-line, and RB in one for most of his years in Seattle.

#2 – Bobby Wagner

Bobby Wagner graced Seattle with his presence again, something we don’t deserve after the incredibly unprofessional and tacky way he was traded to the Rams in 2022. I wish I could be a fly on the wall in the locker room on his first day back practicing with the Hawks after a season of chasing them like a bat out of hell, playing like his hair was on fire even though he described their first 2022 reunion as “just another game.”

As the only remaining Legion of Boom member in the NFL, Wagner has been a part of the Seahawks franchise for some of its most significant moments, contributing to the team with quiet poise. Bobby isn’t a relic of the past; he put in career-high sacks last year and made multiple interceptions for the first time since 2017. This eight-time pro-bowler, two-time NFL tackle leader, and super bowl champ should also be a future Hall of Famer.

#3 – Bruce Irvin

Bruce Irvin has a Tom Brady-like longevity in the league. It’s rare for a 35-year-old linebacker to be still playing in the league, but Bruce apparently had gotten ahold of the fountain of youth because he did well in 2022, his third stint with the Seahawks since 2012 when he was chosen in the first round. Irvin can hardly be considered injury prone considering the nature of his position, but the ones he has had has affected his career.

Bruce Irvin has been a hot head in the league, and his off-field shenanigans pre-draft made him a bit of a risky choice, but the Hawks had confidence in his capabilities, and he has done well by them in return. We all enjoyed watching him bring Mr. Irrelevant to the turf in the red zone last season.

Want to see the greatest draft classes of the last 20 years for the other 31 teams? Look here.