The Seattle Seahawks have a rich history of drafting top talent in the first round, with many of their selections going on to have highly successful careers. From Hall of Famers to current stars, the Seahawks have consistently shown an ability to identify and develop elite players. Here are 12 Seahawks first-round picks that paid off, transforming the team into a perennial powerhouse.
1. Walter Jones (1997) - The Legendary Left Tackle Walter Jones is arguably one of the greatest left tackles in NFL history. With a dominant career spanning 13 seasons, Jones earned nine Pro Bowl selections, six First-Team All-Pro nods, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014. His athleticism, size, and technical skill made him nearly unbeatable on the field, and he played a crucial role in the Seahawks’ early 2000s success.
2. Cortez Kennedy (1990) - The Defensive Anchor Cortez Kennedy was the third overall pick in the 1990 draft and quickly became a cornerstone of the Seahawks’ defense. An eight-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time First-Team All-Pro, Kennedy was known for his powerful pass rush and ability to stop the run. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest defensive tackles in NFL history.
Historical Context: The 1990s Seahawks The Seahawks’ 1990s teams were marked by a strong defense, led by Kennedy and other talented players. This era laid the foundation for the team’s future success, including their first playoff appearances and division titles.
3. Joey Galloway (1995) - The Speedster Joey Galloway was a dynamic receiver who brought a new level of speed to the Seahawks’ offense. With 77 touchdown receptions in his career, Galloway was a consistent threat down the field, earning him a spot in the Seahawks’ Ring of Honor. Although his career was marked by injuries, Galloway remains one of the most exciting players in Seahawks history.
4. Shawn Springs (1997) - The Lockdown Corner Shawn Springs was a talented cornerback who played a key role in the Seahawks’ secondary for seven seasons. A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Springs was known for his shutdown ability and was considered one of the top corners in the league during his prime. His athleticism and ball-hawking skills made him a fan favorite in Seattle.
Comparative Analysis: Seahawks’ Cornerbacks The Seahawks have a long history of drafting talented cornerbacks, including Springs, Marcus Trufant, and Richard Sherman. Each of these players brought a unique skillset to the team, but all shared a common trait: the ability to shut down opposing receivers.
5. Marcus Trufant (2003) - The Physical Corner Marcus Trufant was a physical, hard-hitting cornerback who played 10 seasons for the Seahawks. A Pro Bowl selection in 2007, Trufant was a key member of the Seahawks’ secondary, known for his sure tackling and ability to support the run. His leadership and experience were instrumental in the team’s success during the 2000s.
6. Lofa Tatupu (2005) - The Middle Linebacker Lofa Tatupu was a tackling machine who played six seasons for the Seahawks. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Tatupu was a leader on the defense, known for his instincts and ability to diagnose plays. His athleticism and range made him a valuable asset in the middle of the defense.
7. Aaron Curry (2009) - The Athletic Linebacker Aaron Curry was a highly athletic linebacker who played four seasons for the Seahawks. Although his career was marked by injuries, Curry showed flashes of brilliance, earning him a spot as a starter on the Seahawks’ defense. His speed and agility made him a promising prospect, and he remains an interesting “what if” in Seahawks history.
8. Russell Okung (2010) - The Dominant Left Tackle Russell Okung was a physical, athletic left tackle who played six seasons for the Seahawks. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Okung was a key member of the Seahawks’ offensive line, protecting the blind side of quarterbacks Matt Hasselbeck and Russell Wilson. His size, strength, and technical skill made him one of the top left tackles in the league.
9. Earl Thomas (2010) - The Ball-Hawking Safety Earl Thomas was a game-changing safety who played nine seasons for the Seahawks. A seven-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time First-Team All-Pro, Thomas was known for his range, instincts, and ability to create turnovers. He was a key member of the Seahawks’ legendary secondary, earning him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
10. Richard Sherman (2011) - The Shutdown Corner Richard Sherman was a dominant cornerback who played seven seasons for the Seahawks. A four-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time First-Team All-Pro, Sherman was known for his shutdown ability, intelligence, and trash talk. He was a leader on the Seahawks’ defense, helping the team win Super Bowl XLVIII.
11. Bruce Irvin (2012) - The Pass-Rushing Specialist Bruce Irvin was a speedy pass-rushing specialist who played four seasons for the Seahawks. A key member of the Seahawks’ defensive line, Irvin was known for his ability to rush the quarterback and create pressure. His athleticism and agility made him a valuable asset in the team’s pass-rushing rotation.
12. Jarran Reed (2016) - The Defensive Tackle Jarran Reed was a dominant defensive tackle who played four seasons for the Seahawks. A key member of the Seahawks’ defensive line, Reed was known for his ability to stop the run and rush the quarterback. His size, strength, and technical skill made him a valuable asset in the middle of the defense.
What makes a successful first-round pick in the NFL?
+A successful first-round pick in the NFL typically possesses a combination of physical talent, technical skill, and intangible qualities such as work ethic and leadership ability. Teams must also consider factors such as team needs, player fit, and long-term potential when making their selections.
How do the Seahawks approach the NFL draft?
+The Seahawks approach the NFL draft with a focus on finding players who fit their unique team culture and scheme. They prioritize athleticism, competitiveness, and football IQ, often targeting players with high upside and potential for growth. The team also values players with strong work ethics and a passion for the game.
What is the most important quality for a first-round pick to possess?
+While there are many important qualities for a first-round pick to possess, one of the most critical is athleticism. A player with elite athleticism can often overcome technical deficiencies and adapt to different schemes and systems. Additionally, athleticism provides a foundation for long-term success and durability in the NFL.
In conclusion, the Seahawks have a rich history of drafting talented players in the first round, with many of their selections going on to have highly successful careers. By prioritizing athleticism, competitiveness, and football IQ, the team has been able to build a consistent winner and compete for championships. As the NFL continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the Seahawks adapt their approach to the draft and continue to find talented players who fit their unique team culture and scheme.
